Paediatric Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplant

Overview

Stem cell transplant can cure some blood disorders and cancers in children, such as thalassaemia major and some leukaemias. It is an intensive treatment carried out in specialised centres.

Why it is done

• Thalassaemia major
• Leukaemia that has come back or is high-risk
• Bone marrow failure
• Some immune and metabolic disorders

Before the transplant

Tests check the child's health and find a matched donor, often a brother or sister. Chemotherapy prepares the body.

After the transplant

Children stay in a protected unit until the new marrow starts working. Long-term follow-up checks for infection, graft-versus-host disease and growth.

Risks

Risks include serious infections, graft-versus-host disease, graft failure and organ damage.

At KIH

KIH's haematology team can assess children who may benefit from a transplant and refer them to a transplant centre.