Patient Testimonial for Bone Marrow Transplant

Multiple Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are responsible for producing antibodies, but in multiple myeloma, they become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably, leading to symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, frequent infections, and kidney problems. The exact cause of multiple myeloma is not known, but risk factors include age, family history, and certain genetic conditions. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and imaging studies. Treatment options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, aimed at controlling the disease and relieving symptoms.

Bone Marrow Transplantation for multiple myeloma, specifically autologous stem cell transplantation, involves harvesting the patient’s own healthy stem cells, which are collected before high-dose chemotherapy. This chemotherapy is used to destroy as many cancerous plasma cells as possible. Afterward, the collected stem cells are infused back into the patient’s body, where they can restore normal blood cell production. This procedure helps prolong remission and improve survival rates. Recovery involves monitoring for complications such as infections and ensuring the transplanted cells engraft successfully. While not a cure, bone marrow transplantation can significantly extend the period of remission and improve the quality of life for multiple myeloma patients.

Mr. Purna Basumatary from Guwahati successfully underwent Bone Marrow Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, under the supervision of Dr. Ganesh Jaishetwar, Sr. Consultant Hematologist, Hemato-Oncologist & Bone Marrow Transplant Physician.