Haploidentical Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) in India
- Haploidentical bone marroww transplant (BMT) is a type of allogeneic transplant where the donor and recipient share half of their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) markers. This approach is particularly significant in pediatrics, as it can provide a viable option for children who may not have fully matched siblings or unrelated donors.
- A haploidentical transplant involves a donor who is a half-match for the recipient, commonly a parent or other close relative.
Types of Haploidentical BMT
- Haploidentical Bone Marrow Transplant:Stem cells are harvested directly from the donor’s bone marroww, typically from the iliac crest.
- Haploidentical Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplant (PBSC):Stem cells are collected from the donor’s peripheral blood after mobilization with growth factors (e.g., G-CSF).
Indications for Haploidentical Transplant
- Hematological malignancies (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma) .
- Non-malignant disorders (e.g., sickle cell disease, thalassemia) .
- Situations of relapsed or refractory diseases
Donor Selection
- Standards for choosing haploidentical contributors (regularly relatives) .
- Role of donor registries and matching algorithms
- Challenges in finding suitable haploidentical donors.
Pre-Transplant Evaluation
- Comprehensive patient assessment and eligibility criteria .
- Psychological and social evaluations for patients and families
- Pre-treatment protocols and informed consent process
The Transplant Procedure
- Conditioning regimen (chemotherapy and/or radiation) .
- Infusion of stem cells from haploidentical donor
- Monitoring during and after the procedure
Complications and Management
- Risks of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) .
- Infection risks and management strategies .
- Long-term follow-up care and monitoring for late effects
Recent Advances and Research
- Innovations in haploidentical transplant techniques .
- Role of immunotherapy and new treatment modalities .
- Progressing research and clinical preliminaries in India.
Conclusion
- Haploidentical BMT is a valuable option for pediatric patients needing a stem cell transplant.
- With advances in techniques and supportive care, many children benefit from this approach, which can lead to improved survival rates and quality of life.
- Families should work closely with a specialized transplant team to navigate the complexities of the process effectively.

