Frequently Asked Questions

There are three types of Bone Marrow Transplants based on from who the donor cells are harvested Autologous transplant is when you are receive your own stem cells. Allogeneic transplants in when you receive cells donated by your sibling or parent. However, an unrelated donor or a person who is not related to you can also give you stem cells for transplant. Syngeneic transplant is when you are infused with stem cells donated by your identical twin.

Your body is unique and has a set of proteins called human leukocyte-associated (HLA) antigens, on the surface of your body cells. We identify this set of proteins from samples drawn from your blood or buccal swab smears. We have the expertise and facilities to evaluate bone marrow morphology and immunohistochemistry at our state-of-the-art lab. The other relevant specialised tests include flowcytometry, cytogenetics and molecular genetics. In most cases, the success of allogeneic transplantation depends on how well the HLA antigens of the donor and recipient’s stem cells. Higher the number of matching HLA antigens, greater are chances of your body accepting the donor’s stem cells. You are less likely to develop graft-versus-host disease graft-versus-tumour effect post allogeneic transplant: when white blood cells from the donor attack the cells in the patient’s body after the chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, if the stem cells are closely matched. It is estimated that only 25 to 35 percent of patients have a HLA-matching sibling. The chances of obtaining matching stem cells from an unrelated donor too vary, so finding the right donor is the key to a successful BMT or PBSCT.

The post-conditioning period and 3-4 weeks post infusion are the most crucial for BMT and PBSCT patients as the chances of infection are at an all time high. Our entire medical team is trained to observe international standards when it comes to hygiene and infection control, so that you are ensured a safe, sterile environment to recuperate. The stem cells, after entering your bloodstream, travel to the bone marrow and begin to produce new white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in a process known as “engraftment.” This usually occurs within about 2 to 4 weeks after the transplantation. Complete recovery of your immune function will take longer - up to several months for autologous transplant and 1 - 2 years for allogeneic or syngeneic transplants. We will evaluate your blood health through various tests including bone marrow aspiration to confirm whether new blood cells are being produced and there’s no relapse.

Called a non-myeloablative or reduced-intensity transplant, a mini uses lower, less toxic doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation to prepare you for an allogeneic transplant. ​ Called a non-myeloablative or reduced-intensity transplant, a mini uses lower, less toxic doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation to prepare you for an allogeneic transplant.

Heart transplant means replacing one’s diseased heart with a healthy donated heart. An extremely complicated procedure, is suggested only when the heart failure is so severe that it cannot be managed with medication or any other mode of treatment. Cardiac care has evolved phenomenally in the recent times, enabling us to treat complex heart problems effectively - medically and surgically. However, if the condition of the heart is such that no medications or surgical solution can bring any sort of relief, we have no choice but choose heart transplant as the way ahead. Heart transplant is done in both adults and children; and Aster Centre of Excellence in Multi-Organ Transplant has a great team of doctors comprising adult and paediatric transplant experts.

If your doctor recommends a heart transplant, there are many formalities and tests you will need to complete before you undergo the surgery. You will need to go through an extensive screening process involving Radiological and Pathological Investigations. Our transplant team comprising Cardiac Surgeons, Cardiologists, Cardiac Anaesthesiologists, Pulmonologists and Pathologists will thoroughly review your reports to ensure that you’re medical fit for the surgery. We will then enlist you on the Heart Transplant List till we get notified of a suitable donor. Remember, waiting for a heart transplant might be a long drawn one for getting a donor – a suitable donor – is not easy. We will continuously monitor your health during this waiting period through regular check-ups and investigations. As soon as we get information that there is a donor heart available, we will contact you and if all factors are favourable, the transplant will be performed.

Avoids major surgeries in certain conditions/ diseases Mostly performed under local anaesthesia/sedation Tiny incision, minimal scarring Significantly lesser post-surgery pain Minimal blood loss Fewer post-surgical complications Faster recovery Shorter hospital stay/ same-day discharge for many procedures