A bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a complex medical procedure that offers a potential cure for various blood cancers and other diseases. India has become a popular destination for BMT due to its high success rates, experienced medical professionals, and significantly lower costs compared to Western countries.
The Procedure: From Start to Finish
A bone marrow transplant is not a single operation but a multi-stage process that can take several weeks or even months. The main goal is to replace a patient’s diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
There are two main types of BMT:
- Autologous Transplant: The patient’s own stem cells are collected and stored. After a high-dose round of chemotherapy or radiation to eliminate the diseased cells, the patient’s healthy stem cells are re-infused. This is typically used for conditions like multiple myeloma and lymphoma.
- Allogeneic Transplant: Stem cells are collected from a compatible donor. The patient undergoes a similar conditioning regimen before the donor cells are infused. This is the preferred treatment for conditions like leukemia, aplastic anemia, and thalassemia. Finding a suitable donor is crucial and involves HLA typing (Human Leukocyte Antigen) to ensure a close match.
The procedure can be broken down into these key phases:
- Stem Cell Collection: Stem cells are collected either directly from the donor’s bone marrow (under general anesthesia) or from their peripheral blood via a process called apheresis.
- Conditioning: The patient receives high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation to destroy the diseased marrow and suppress the immune system to prevent rejection of the new cells.
- Transplant (Infusion): The collected stem cells are infused into the patient’s bloodstream through a central venous catheter, much like a blood transfusion.
- Engraftment and Recovery: The transplanted stem cells travel to the bone marrow and begin to produce new, healthy blood cells. This process, called engraftment, typically takes 2-4 weeks. During this time, the patient’s immune system is extremely weak, requiring them to stay in a sterile, isolated environment to prevent infections.
Cost of Bone Marrow Transplant in India
The cost of a BMT in India is a major draw for international patients. While it is considerably cheaper than in the United States or Europe, the final price can vary widely. On average, the cost ranges from ₹15,00,000 to ₹40,00,000 (approximately $18,000 to $48,000 USD).
Factors that influence the final cost include:
- Type of Transplant: Allogeneic transplants are generally more expensive than autologous transplants due to the added costs associated with donor matching and additional medications to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
- Hospital and Location: Leading hospitals in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru will have higher costs than those in Tier 2 cities.
- Patient’s Condition: The patient’s age and overall health can affect the length of their hospital stay and the complexity of their care, thereby increasing the total cost.
- Complications: Any post-transplant complications, such as infections or graft rejection, will require additional treatment and significantly increase the total bill.
Best Hospitals for Bone Marrow Transplant in India
India’s top hospitals for BMT are known for their experienced hematologists, cutting-edge technology, and rigorous infection control protocols. Some of the most highly regarded institutions include:
- Apollo Hospitals: With multiple centers across India, Apollo is known for its high-volume BMT program and comprehensive patient care.
- Max Healthcare: This hospital network offers advanced BMT programs with state-of-the-art facilities and a strong focus on patient safety and outcomes.
- Fortis Healthcare: Fortis hospitals are well-regarded for their specialized oncology and hematology departments, offering both autologous and allogeneic transplants.
- Medanta – The Medicity: Located in Gurugram (NCR), Medanta is a leading medical tourism destination with a world-class institute for bone marrow and stem cell transplants.
About the Author
