Ablation Therapy in Hematology: Preparing for Bone Marrow Transplant
Ablation therapy uses extreme heat or cold to destroy diseased tissue, most commonly in the treatment of tumors. In hematology, bone marrow ablation is a critical preparatory step for a bone marrow transplant, also known as a Hematopoietic stem cell transplant. This process clears the patient’s existing bone marrow to make way for new, healthy stem cells.
Dr. Nishad Dhakate: A Leading Expert in Hematology and BMT
Dr. Nishad Dhakate is a highly experienced and certified Hematologist and Hemato-Oncologist with a specialization in autologous and allogeneic blood and bone marrow transplants, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. He is well versed in the management of hematological disorders, inherited and acquired red, white, and platelet disorders and immunodeficiency disorders. His approach to treatment is comprehensive and tailored to each patient’s individual needs. He is committed to providing the best possible care to his patients and strives to stay up to date with the latest innovations in the field of Hematologist and Hemato-Oncologist.
Symptoms and Causes
Unlike other ablation forms treating solid tumors, bone marrow ablation is used to prepare a patient for stem cell transplant for underlying malignant or severe benign blood diseases. The “symptoms” relate to the primary illness itself:
- Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising, or anemia related to Leukemia, Myeloma, or Myelodysplastic Syndromes.
- Causes: Failure or dysfunction of the bone marrow, caused by blood cancers or severe non-cancerous disorders like Thalassemia or aplastic anemia.
Procedure of Bone Marrow Ablation
Bone marrow ablation is achieved through high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, creating an “empty niche” for new stem cells:
- High-Dose Chemotherapy: Kills all cancer cells and suppresses the immune system, destroying existing bone marrow.
- Radiation Therapy: Total body irradiation (TBI) may be used to ensure complete destruction of dysfunctional bone marrow.
- Stem Cell Infusion: Healthy stem cells are infused post-ablation, from a compatible donor (allogeneic transplant) or the patient’s own cells (autologous transplant).
This systemic, whole-body therapy is highly specialized and performed only in dedicated hematology centers by expert bone marrow transplant physicians.
Advanced Hematology and Related Therapies
Bone marrow ablation is part of advanced blood disorder treatment. A blood cancer specialist determines whether a transplant is suitable for patients with Leukemia, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, or Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Alternative therapies may include Biological Therapy for Cancer or CAR-T cell therapy. Hematologists also manage conditions like Anemia, Thalassemia, Coagulation Disorders, and Thrombocytopenia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Que. Is bone marrow ablation painful?A. No. The procedure is performed under anesthesia. High-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation can have side effects, but the infusion of new stem cells is painless. Que. Is ablation therapy the same as a bone marrow transplant?
A. No. Ablation therapy is the preparatory step for a transplant, clearing the way for new stem cells. Que. Why is my bone marrow “ablated” for a transplant?
A. To eliminate all existing diseased or malfunctioning marrow cells, including residual cancer cells, and suppress the immune system to prevent donor cell rejection. Que. What is the difference between an autologous transplant and a donor transplant?
A. An autologous transplant uses the patient’s own previously collected stem cells, while a donor (allogeneic) transplant uses stem cells from a matching donor through bone marrow donation.
