Stem Cell Showdown: Bone Marrow Transplants vs. Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplants

 

Life-saving treatments for conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, or other severe blood disorders often involve two primary options: Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT) and Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplants (PBSCT). Both aim to restore healthy stem cells in the patient but differ in their methods and implications. Let’s explore the differences. 

 

Q: What are BMT and PBSCT? 

A: BMT and PBSCT are treatments used to help people with blood cancers, blood disorders, and immune system diseases. They work by replacing damaged or diseased cells in the body with healthy ones, essentially resetting the immune system or blood system.  

 

Q: How does the bone marrow work in the body? 

A: Bone marrow is responsible for producing all the cells needed to support life, such as red blood cells (which carry oxygen throughout the body), white blood cells (which fight infections), and platelets (which help with blood clotting and prevent excessive bleeding). It also produces hematopoietic stem cells, which can develop into any of these types of blood cells. These cells are constantly being made and are directed to where they are needed in the body.  

 

Q: What conditions or factors cause bone marrow problems that require transplant? 

Typically, your blood has red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

If you have leukemia, abnormal cancer cells soon outnumber your healthy cells.

Bone marrow problems that may require a transplant can result from various causes, including leukemia, lymphoma, aplastic anemia, genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia, and other immune deficiencies. High-dose chemotherapy, radiation, infections, or exposure to toxins can also damage bone marrow. When these causes stop normal blood cell production, a transplant may be needed to restore healthy function.  

 

Q: What is the difference between BMT and PBSCT, and how are stem cells collected for each?

A: The main difference between BMT and PBSCT is how the stem cells are collected.

BMT: Stem cells are directly harvested from the bone marrow, typically from the hip bone. A needle is inserted into the bone while the patient is under anesthesia to collect the marrow, which is then frozen and stored for transplant.

Bone Marrow Transplant.

PBSCT: Stem cells are collected from the bloodstream. Medications are given to the patient to facilitate the movement of stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. The stem cells are then separated from the blood and collected through a process called leukapheresis, where the rest of the blood is returned to the patient.

Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplant.

 

Q: How does the transplant process work? 

A: Once the stem cells are collected, they are injected into the patient’s bloodstream, similar to a blood transfusion. The stem cells travel to the bone marrow, where they mature and replace the unhealthy cells with new, healthy ones. 

 

Q: What are the key differences between BMT and PBSCT? 

A: Both BMT and PBSCT aim to replace unhealthy cells with healthy ones, but they differ in how the stem cells are collected. BMT is often preferred for younger patients or patients with certain diseases, as it has historically been linked to fewer complications. On the other hand, PBSCT is more commonly used now because it’s easier to collect the stem cells and allows for quicker recovery. PBSCT may result in faster engraftment, but it can also carry higher risks.  

 

Q: Which type of transplant is preferred? 

A: The choice between BMT and PBSCT depends on the patient’s condition and the donor’s availability. PBSCT is often chosen because it’s easier and recovery is faster, but BMT might be better for specific conditions due to lower risks of complications.  

 

Q: How have these transplants impacted the treatment of blood diseases? 

A: Both BMT and PBSCT have significantly improved the treatment of blood cancers and other severe diseases. They offer patients a chance for renewed health and a better quality of life by replacing damaged or diseased cells with healthy ones.


Sue Paterson is a nurse transitioning to freelance writing. As a volunteer with There Goes My Hero, she helps people understand what bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell transplants are and how they can treat those impacted by blood cancers and other blood disorders.