luunsiirto

Luunsiirto, or bone marrow transplantation, is a medical procedure used primarily to treat certain cancers, genetic diseases, and immune system disorders. The process involves replacing damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, which can restore the body’s ability to produce blood cells. Bone marrow is a spongy tissue found inside bones, particularly the pelvis, ribs, and femur, and it produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

There are two main types of bone marrow transplants: autologous and allogeneic. In an autologous transplant, the patient’s own stem cells are harvested before high-dose chemotherapy or radiation treatment, which destroys the diseased marrow. The patient’s stem cells are then reinfused to help the body recover. Allogeneic transplants involve using stem cells from a compatible donor, often a sibling or unrelated donor matched through tissue typing. This method is more complex due to the risk of graft-versus-host disease, where the donor’s immune cells attack the recipient’s body.

The procedure begins with conditioning, where the patient undergoes chemotherapy or radiation to suppress their immune system and prepare the body for the new stem cells. Stem cells are then infused intravenously, similar to a blood transfusion. Recovery can take weeks to months, during which the patient is highly vulnerable to infections due to a weakened immune system. Supportive care, including antibiotics, transfusions, and close monitoring, is essential during this period.

Luunsiirto is commonly used to treat conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, sickle cell anemia, and severe aplastic anemia. Success rates vary depending on the disease, donor compatibility, and overall patient health. While the procedure carries risks, including infection, graft failure, and organ damage, advancements in medical techniques have improved outcomes significantly over the years. Patients are typically advised to undergo the procedure at specialized centers with experienced transplant teams.