Difference Between Stem Cell Transplant and Bone Marrow Transplant

Stem cell transplant and bone marrow transplant are two forms of transplantation used to treat various blood and immune disorders. Although these two procedures have some similarities, there are also some significant differences. In this essay, we will discuss the difference between stem cell transplant and bone marrow transplant.

What is Stem Cell Transplant?

This is when stem cells that are obtained from the bloodstream or umbilical cord of a donor are used for transplant into a patient. Umbilical cord blood stem cells are only used for transplant into children since there are not enough cells present to be of any use for transplant into an adult patient.

Stem Cell Transplant: Procedure

Before cells can be extracted from the blood various substances have to be introduced, to help trigger the growth of the stem cells. These substances include, for instance, granulocyte- colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), which is added so that the donors own bone marrow will make and produce more stem cells that will end up in the bloodstream.

The G-CSF is added and used to ensure that there will be enough stem cells in the blood for harvesting to be successful. The blood cells are harvested from the blood about 6 days later. The stem cells are then separated from the other blood cells by the process of apheresis, and then they are given to the patient through a catheter placed into a vein. This process can take about 2 hours to complete.

Stem Cell Transplant: Advantages

Harvesting stem cells from the blood is in many ways an easier process since it does not involve or require the use of anesthesia. Further benefits are that the platelets and neutrophil cells (one of the white blood cells) are more easily able to recover if this method is used compared with the bone marrow procedure.

The process is also less painful for the donor since a needle is not being placed into bone. The method also does appear to increases the chances that a graft will be successful.

Stem Cell Transplant: Disadvantages

There are some disadvantages to obtaining stem cells from blood rather than from bone marrow. The donor first has to be treated with G-CSF, and then the stem cells can only be harvested a couple of days after the donor since time is needed for the donor’s body to form more stem cells and transport these cells into the bloodstream.

Stem Cell Transplant: Applications

Stem cell transplant can be used to treat conditions such as multiple myeloma, and other cancers such as certain kinds of lymphoma and leukemia. The procedure can also be used to replace bone marrow which has been somewhat depleted because of some types of cancer treatments.

What is Bone Marrow Transplant?

A bone marrow transplant is when stem cells are removed from a donor’s bone marrow for transplant into a patient.

Bone Marrow Transplant: Procedure

The procedure in which bone marrow is extracted from a donor does require the use of either a local or a general anesthetic. This is necessary because it is a rather painful process in which a needle is inserted directly into the marrow cavity of the bone and stem cells withdrawn. The needle is inserted into the top part of the pubic bones and the cells extracted, with up to a maximum amount of 1500ml taken.

Bone Marrow Transplant: Advantages

The advantage is that granulocyte- colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) does not have to be given to the donor since the procedure involves going to the source of the stem cells, which is the bone marrow. This also means that the doctor does not have to wait for the G-CSF to take effect. This procedure not only reduces the odds of graft failure but also seems to decrease the chances of developing graft versus host disease, according to research findings.

Bone Marrow Transplant: Disadvantages

A big disadvantage of this process is the necessity for anesthesia, which, at least in the case of general anesthesia could cause complications. The procedure is also a more painful one than simply removing stem cells from the blood since the needle has to go into bone.

Bone Marrow Transplant: Applications

Bone marrow transplants are also used in cases where a person has cancers such as some types of lymphomas and leukemias, and multiple myeloma. It can also be used to help patients whose own bone marrow has been destroyed because of cancer treatments.

Differences: Stem Cell Transplant and Bone Marrow Transplant

One significant difference between bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant is the source of the stem cells. In bone marrow transplant, the stem cells are obtained from the bone marrow, while in stem cell transplant, the stem cells can be obtained from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood. Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) is a type of stem cell transplant that involves collecting stem cells from the patient's bloodstream rather than from the bone marrow. This procedure is also known as a peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSC).

Another difference between bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant is the method of obtaining the stem cells. In bone marrow transplant, the stem cells are obtained through a surgical procedure called bone marrow aspiration. This involves inserting a needle into the donor's hip bone and withdrawing bone marrow. In contrast, stem cells for stem cell transplant can be obtained through a process called apheresis, which involves collecting stem cells from the donor's bloodstream using a special machine. In umbilical cord blood transplantation, the stem cells are obtained from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby.

The type of transplantation used may also depend on the underlying condition being treated. For example, bone marrow transplant is often used to treat leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. Stem cell transplant, on the other hand, may be used to treat a wider range of conditions, including blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia, as well as some non-blood disorders, such as multiple sclerosis.

The risks and side effects associated with bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant can also vary. In general, bone marrow transplant is a more invasive procedure that carries a higher risk of infection, bleeding, and other complications. The patient may also experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. In contrast, stem cell transplant is generally less invasive and carries a lower risk of complications. However, the patient may still experience side effects such as fever, chills, and fatigue.

The following table highlights the major differences between Stem Cell Transplant and Bone Marrow Transplant −

Characteristics	Stem Cell Transplant	Bone Marrow Transplant
Definition	A stem cell transplant is when stem cells are harvested from the bloodstream or the umbilical cord.	A bone marrow transplant is when stem cells are harvested directly from the bone marrow.
Harvest location	Stem cell transplants involve cells that are taken out of the blood or umbilical cord.	Bone marrow transplants involve cells that are taken out of the bone marrow.
Granulocyte- colony-stimulating factor	In the case of a stem cell transplant, granulocyte- colony-stimulating factor has to be given to the donor a few days before the procedure.	In the case of a bone marrow transplant, the granulocyte- colony-stimulating factor is not needed.
Anesthesia	No anesthesia of any kind needs to be given to a donor when a stem cell transplant is being done.	Local or general anesthesia does need to be given to a donor when a bone marrow transplant is being done.
Pain	There is less pain involved for the donor in a stem cell transplant.	There is more pain involved for the donor in a bone marrow transplant.
Risk of graft versus host disease	The chance of getting graft versus host disease does not appear to be influenced by a stem cell transplant.	The chance of getting graft versus host disease is lessened by a bone marrow transplant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant are two different procedures used to treat a variety of blood and immune disorders. While these two procedures share some similarities, such as the goal of replacing damaged or diseased cells with healthy cells, there are also significant differences between the two. The source and method of obtaining the stem cells, as well as the conditions they are used to treat, can vary.