How Does Bone Marrow Transplantation Work?
Bone marrow is a soft, sponge-like material found inside certain bones, such as the heads of the femur (thigh bone) and humerus (arm bone), the sternum (breast bone), and the hip bones. Bone marrow contains immature cells called stem cells. Stem cells can divide to form more stem cells or they can mature into blood cells: • White blood cells—fight infection • Red blood cells—carry oxygen to and remove carbon dioxide from organs and tissues • Platelets—enable the blood to clot Stem cells are predominately found in the bone marrow, but some occupy the bloodstream. These are called peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs). If PBSCs are used in the transplant, it is referred to as peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Umbilical cord blood also contains stem cells that can be used in stem cell transplantation. When stem cells are transplanted, they enter your peripheral blood stream and travel to your bone marrow where they replace damaged stem cells and begin to make healthy blood
Bone marrow is a soft, sponge-like material found inside certain bones, such as the heads of the femur (thigh bone) and humerus (arm bone), the sternum (breast bone), and the hip bones. Bone marrow contains immature cells called stem cells. Stem cells can divide to form more stem cells or they can mature into blood cells: • White blood cells—fight infection • Red blood cells—carry oxygen to and remove carbon dioxide from organs and tissues • Platelets—enable the blood to clotStem cells are predominately found in the bone marrow, but some occupy the bloodstream. These are called peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs). If PBSCs are used in the transplant, it is referred to as peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Umbilical cord blood also contains stem cells that can be used in stem cell transplantation.When stem cells are transplanted, they enter your peripheral blood stream and travel to your bone marrow where they replace damaged stem cells and begin to make healthy blood c
