Bone Marrow Transplantation

At the Bone Marrow Transplant Center of Medipol Mega University Hospital, transplant procedures as well as the transplant preparations and health checks of both the recipient and the donor are carried out under an agreement with SGK.

The bone marrow center offers safe and effective treatment services in the field of stem cell transplantation with its advanced technology infrastructure and experienced expert staff.

At Medipol Mega University Hospital Bone Marrow Transplant Center, transplant procedures, transplant preparations and health checks of the recipient and donor are carried out under an agreement with the Social Security Institution (SGK).

Bone marrow transplantation is a life-saving method in the treatment of blood diseases. Medipol University Hospital Bone Marrow-Stem Cell Transplantation Center provides services at international standards to both adult and pediatric patients with its strong academic staff, advanced technological infrastructure and multidisciplinary approach.

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What is a Stem Cell?

Stem cells are special cells that have the ability to renew themselves and transform into different tissue-organ cells, and are the basic building blocks of the body. These cells differentiate when needed and provide the production of blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Stem cells have three main properties:

They can divide and create new stem cells with the same properties.
They can transform into certain cell types (such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) as needed.
They are long-lasting, acting as a reserve that can sustain blood cell production throughout life.

Stem cells are found in the bone marrow, peripheral blood (circulating blood), and umbilical cord blood. Bone marrow is the richest source of hematopoietic stem cells. Stem cells in peripheral blood are normally few in number, but they can be increased by some stimulating factors. Umbilical cord and cord blood are very valuable, especially in pediatric patients.

When we say stem cells, we usually mean hematopoietic stem cells (bone marrow). Because they are responsible for blood production and play a fundamental role in the treatment of hematological diseases.

What is the difference between bone marrow and stem cells?

These two concepts are often confused. However:

Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found inside long bones. These tissues are the main source of blood cells.
Stem cells are special cells found in this main source. With the necessary stimuli, they can transform into all components of blood.
Although bone marrow and stem cells are generally mentioned together, bone marrow is a tissue and stem cells are special cells in this tissue.

What is Stem Cell Transplantation?

Stem cell transplantation is the process of transferring healthy stem cells to replace damaged or dysfunctional bone marrow. Before the transplant, the patient is given high-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy to destroy diseased cells.

Then, the stem cells taken from a suitable donor or the patient's own cells are injected back into the body via a vein. These cells settle in the bone marrow and begin the production of new blood cells.

Stem cell transplantation is generally performed in cases of blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and diseases such as bone marrow failure and aplastic anemia. The aim of the treatment is to destroy diseased cells and establish a new system that will enable the production of healthy blood cells in their place.

What are the Types of Stem Cell Transplantation?

Autologous stem cell transplantation: The patient's own stem cells are taken and re-applied after the treatment.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation: Stem cells taken from a compatible donor (relative or unrelated) are transplanted into the patient.
Syngeneic stem cell transplantation: Stem cells taken from an identical twin are transplanted.
Cord blood transplantation: Stem cells obtained from the umbilical cord blood of newborn babies are used, especially in pediatric patients.

The type of transplant is determined by the type of disease, the patient's general health status, donor suitability, and the stage of the disease.

How is Stem Cell Collection Performed?

Stem cells are most densely found in the bone marrow, but they can also be transferred to the blood with special methods. Therefore, stem cells are collected in two basic ways: direct collection from bone marrow and collection from blood (peripherally). Which method will be applied is determined by the medical condition of the patient or donor.

Stem Cell Collection Method from Bone Marrow

Under normal conditions, the main location of blood-related stem cells is the bone marrow. Therefore, the first method to obtain stem cells is the direct collection method from the bone marrow. Today, this method is generally preferred in special and exceptional cases.

Bone marrow collection is usually performed in an operating room under anesthesia. During the procedure, the bone marrow is entered from the back of the donor's hip bone using special needles. After passing through the hard layer of the bone, the marrow part is reached and the bone marrow fluid containing the stem cells is collected.

The bone is entered several times to obtain a sufficient amount of cells. Usually, 2 to 6 small entry points (approximately 3-4 mm) are opened. The process takes 2-3 hours on average. The amount of marrow collected varies depending on the patient's weight and cell density, but is usually between 500-1000 milliliters. If necessary, blood support can be provided to the patient or donor during the procedure. If possible, this blood is taken from the donor beforehand, stored, and returned during the procedure.

No pain is felt during the procedure due to the effect of anesthesia. Once collection is complete, the donor is usually kept under observation in the hospital for one day. Bone marrow collection does not permanently affect the body's blood production capacity. The production of new blood cells to replace lost ones occurs within 2-4 weeks.

Blood Stem Cell Collection (Apheresis) Method

Under normal conditions, the amount of stem cells in the blood is quite low. Therefore, the transfer of stem cells from the bone marrow to the blood is ensured with special medications. This process is called “mobilization.” Growth factors called G-CSF (granulocyte stimulating factor) are often used for mobilization.

G-CSF injections are usually administered subcutaneously for 4-5 days. This way, the stem cells in the bone marrow pass into the blood and can be collected in the blood. The amount of stem cells is measured with blood tests performed on the 4th or 5th day. If the level is sufficient, stem cells are collected through a process called apheresis.

During the apheresis procedure, blood taken from the donor is passed through a special device. The device separates the stem cells and simultaneously returns the remaining blood to the donor. The procedure usually takes 2-4 hours, is painless, and does not require hospitalization.

In some patients, especially those who have previously received chemotherapy, G-CSF alone may not be able to obtain sufficient numbers of stem cells. In this case, chemotherapy may be applied first to strengthen mobilization, and then G-CSF treatment is initiated. Depending on the medical condition of the patient or donor, more than one collection session may be required.

What is the Stem Cell Transplantation Process?

Stem cell transplantation generally consists of three stages:

Preparation Period

Before the transplant, high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy is used to clear diseased cells. This treatment also creates space in the body for new stem cells to settle.

Transplantation Stage

The collected stem cells are administered to the patient via a vein. The procedure is performed in a manner similar to a blood transfusion and is generally painless.

Recovery and Follow-up Process

After the stem cells settle in the bone marrow (engraftment), blood cells begin to be produced again. During this period, patients are closely monitored for possible complications such as infection risk, organ damage, or graft-versus-host disease.

At Medipol University Hospital, this entire process is carried out in coordination with experienced hematology specialists, infectious diseases, anesthesia, intensive care and psychosocial support teams.

Medipol University Hospital Bone Marrow-Stem Cell Transplantation Center

Medipol University Hospital is one of the reference centers at national and international levels with its Bone Marrow-Stem Cell Transplantation Center, structured as separate units for adult and pediatric patients.

Our center is equipped with:

Outpatient services
Inpatient services
BMT coordination
Stem cell collection (apheresis) unit
Stem cell processing laboratory
Intensive care support unit
Modern laboratory infrastructure

All treatment processes are carried out with a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis, preparation, transplantation and follow-up stages.

Adult Bone Marrow-Stem Cell Transplantation Center

Medipol University Hospital Adult Stem Cell Transplantation Center performs autologous and allogeneic transplantation procedures with its experienced academic staff in the field of Hematology.

Main diseases treated:

Multiple myeloma
Lymphoma (lymph node cancer)
Acute and chronic leukemia
Aplastic anemia
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
Bone marrow failure and similar hematological diseases

In our center, patient safety, comfort and treatment success are prioritized with our state-of-the-art stem cell collection and processing laboratories.

Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center

Medipol University Hospital Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Center successfully performs both autologous and allogeneic transplantation in pediatric patients.

Our center works in integration with many branches such as pediatric intensive care, nephrology, neurology, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and chest diseases. Thanks to this multidisciplinary structure, the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up processes of pediatric patients are carried out in a safe, comfortable and success-oriented manner.

Medipol University Hospital is at your service with its scientific approach, experienced team, and strong infrastructure in bone marrow transplantation so that children can take healthy steps into the future.

Treatment at International Standards

Our Stem Cell Transplantation Center has been designed in accordance with globally accepted quality standards. Our center is supported by well-equipped laboratories, advanced technology systems and sterile isolation units.

Safe and Effective Treatment Process

Trust, scientific knowledge and ethical principles are at the forefront at every stage of the treatment process. Our center has a structure that has passed national and international inspections and constantly updates its medical protocols. Our patients are followed up thoroughly before, during and after the transplant.

Expert Staff, Strong Teamwork

Stem cell transplantation requires the collaborative work of many branches. In our center, specialist physicians from many branches work together. A personalized treatment plan is created for each patient, and all stages are closely monitored by a multidisciplinary team.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bone Marrow Center

Who Can Undergo Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation?

This transplant, which uses the patient's own stem cells, is usually performed on patients with lymphoma, multiple myeloma and some tumors.

Who Can Undergo Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation?

This method, in which stem cells from a suitable donor are transplanted, is preferred in leukemia, aplastic anemia and genetic blood diseases.

What is the Apheresis Procedure?

Apheresis is the process of collecting stem cells from the donor's blood by separating them with a special device.

What is Graft Versus Host Disease?

It is an immune system-dependent reaction that develops after an allogeneic transplant when immune cells from the donor attack the recipient's tissues.

How to Find a Donor?

The donor is first screened for tissue compatibility among the patient's siblings or relatives. If a suitable candidate is not found, national and international bone marrow banks are contacted.