Bone marrow transplant

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a medical procedure in the field of hematology and oncology that involves transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). It is most often performed for people with diseases of the blood or bone marrow, or certain types of cancer. Bone marrow transplantation was pioneered in the 1970's by E. Donnall Thomas whose work was later recognized with a Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. Dr. Thomas' work showed that bone marrow cells infused intravenously could repopulate the bone marrow and produce new blood cells. His work also reduced the likelihood of developing a life-threatening complication called Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). However it remains a risky procedure and it is reserved for patients with life threatening diseases.

Related Topics:
Hematology - Oncology - Transplantation - Hematopoietic stem cell - Cancer - E. Donnall Thomas - Nobel Prize - Bone marrow - Blood cell - Graft-versus-host disease

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