The mainstay of childhood leukemia is drug treatment. At the end of the chemotherapy, which lasts for a total of 3-3.5 years, up to 85% complete recovery is achieved. Bone marrow transplantation can be applied in cases that do not respond to treatment and in some special cases (5-10%).

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT PRINCIPLES?

The basic principle in bone marrow transplantation is that the mother-stem cells that produce blood cells are taken from healthy individuals (donor-donor) and given to the leukemia patient. Thus, normal blood production is ensured.

FROM WHOM BONE MARROW MAIN-STEM CELLS ARE TAKEN?

1- Tissue groups (HLA) from suitable siblings or rarely from other family members (ALLOGENIC).
2- Tissue groups (HLA) from eligible unrelated donors (via the Bone Marrow Tissue Data Bank).
3- Storing the patient's own bone marrow by freezing and giving it when necessary.
4- Collecting the main stem cells in the blood circulating in our veins with a special method and giving them to the patient.
5- Umbilical Cord Blood: Using the blood collected from the mother-stem cell-rich placenta (partner) of the newborn sibling.
 

HOW TO GET BONE MARROW?

The collection process is performed under general anesthesia in operating room conditions. The marrow is drawn into the injectors by entering the bone using special needles. The main-stem cells taken in a certain amount are given to the leukemia patient through the vein after being filtered in special bags.

Since very little of the mother-stem cells are taken, the procedure for the donor-donor has no drawbacks.

Within 3 weeks after transplantation, rapid production of blood cells begins from intact mother-stem cells. In order to prevent rejection of the donated bone marrow in the recipient, protective treatments are applied for up to 6 months.

SUCCESS RATE OF BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT:

Bone marrow transplantation is performed successfully in our country as well as in the developed hematology centers of the world. Although it varies according to the type of leukemia and the suitability of the donor, the results are positive. A success rate of 43% to 83% is achieved.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Various serious complications occur during and after the recipient leukemia patient's preparation for bone marrow transplantation. In the late period, leukemia or various types of cancer may reappear at a rate 5 times more than in normal people.

One year after the bone marrow transplant, children with leukemia regain their health and can return to their normal lives.

Bone marrow transplantation, which costs an average of 25,000 dollars per patient in our country, has been turned into a health tourism abroad and 100.000-250.000 dollars are spent. Because; It would be beneficial to open more specialized bone marrow transplant centers in Turkey.