Bone Marrow Transplant at BLK Max Hospital, New Delhi.

BLK Max Hospital in New Delhi is renowned for its advanced bone marrow transplant program. The hospital offers cutting-edge treatments for various hematological conditions, leveraging state-of-the-art technology and a multidisciplinary team of specialists. The process involves thorough pre-transplant assessments, personalized treatment plans, and comprehensive post-transplant care to ensure optimal outcomes. Patients receive support from experienced medical professionals throughout their journey, from initial consultations to recovery. BLK Max Hospital’s commitment to excellence makes it a preferred choice for patients seeking bone marrow transplants.

Let’s go through the whole process on a day-by-day basis, detailing the experiences, procedures, and care involved in a 28-day treatment plan. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of what patients can expect during their stay and recovery at BLK Max Hospital.

What is Bone Marrow Transplant and when do you need it?

A bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a medical procedure used to replace damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells. This treatment is often necessary for patients with conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, severe aplastic anemia, and certain genetic diseases. Bone marrow, found in the spongy tissue inside bones, is crucial for producing blood cells. When the marrow is compromised, a transplant can restore its function. BMT involves high-dose chemotherapy or radiation to destroy the diseased marrow, followed by the infusion of healthy stem cells to rebuild the marrow and restore normal blood cell production.

Why should you choose BLK Max Hospital?

Expertise and Experience: BLK Max Hospital has a team of highly skilled and experienced specialists in bone marrow transplants, ensuring the highest quality of care.

Advanced Technology: The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities that support complex transplant procedures and patient care.

Comprehensive Care: Offering a multidisciplinary approach, BLK Max Hospital provides comprehensive care that includes pre-transplant evaluation, post-transplant monitoring, and supportive therapies.

International Standards: The hospital adheres to international protocols and standards, ensuring safety and efficacy in all medical treatments.

Patient-Centered Approach: With a focus on personalized care, BLK Max Hospital aims to meet the unique needs of each patient, enhancing their overall experience and outcomes.

Cost of Bone Marrow Transplant in India compared to other countries-

Day 1: Arrival and Initial Hospital Visit

The patient arrives at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) and is promptly transported to their hotel, where they rest briefly before heading to BLK Max Hospital. Transportation, covered by the hospital, takes them directly to the International Patients Lounge on the first floor. Here, they meet Shikha and Milind, key contacts throughout the process. After completing the registration form and receiving a unique Max ID, which is essential for accessing medical details and financial transactions, the patient proceeds to the billing department. Subsequently, they are escorted to the 7th floor to meet Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, a renowned hemato-oncologist. Dr. Sharma conducts a thorough examination and recommends several tests to assess the patient’s condition and determine the appropriate next steps. The Max ID proves to be a convenient tool for the patient, allowing them to seamlessly fetch reports and manage finances during their treatment journey. With the initial assessments completed, the patient feels assured and ready for the upcoming medical procedures.

Bone Marrow Transplant at BLK Max Hospital

Day 2: Comprehensive Testing

The second day is dedicated to completing the extensive tests required for a bone marrow transplant, a process that can be quite time-consuming. A dedicated coordinator assists the patient throughout the entire testing procedure, ensuring smooth navigation and support.

Tests Required Before Bone Marrow Transplant:

• MRI
• PET CT
• X-ray
• Blood tests
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Pulmonary function tests
• Liver function tests
• Kidney function tests

Tests Conducted on the Ground Floor:

• MRI
• PET CT
• X-ray
• Blood tests

A few specific tests are performed on the 2nd floor. Once all the tests are completed, the patient is free to return to their hotel to rest and prepare for the next steps in their treatment journey.

Day 3: Rest and Relaxation

The third day is reserved for rest and relaxation. This day allows the patient to recuperate and gather strength while waiting for all the test results to be processed. It is crucial to have all the reports ready before the next consultation with Dr. Sanjeev Sharma. This downtime ensures that the patient is in the best possible condition for the upcoming stages of the bone marrow transplant process.

Day 4: Gathering Reports and Personalized Plan

Day 4 starts with collecting all the test reports and meeting with Dr. Sanjeev Sharma. This process typically takes a few hours as the patient needs to gather the reports and wait for the consultation. Dr. Sharma carefully reviews the reports and develops a personalized treatment plan based on the patient’s specific condition.

The decision-making process involves determining whether the patient will undergo an autologous or allogenic bone marrow transplant. An autologous transplant uses the patient’s own stem cells, which are harvested before treatment and then returned after intensive therapy. This method is usually considered when the patient’s own bone marrow is healthy but needs to be protected from high-dose chemotherapy or radiation.

In contrast, an allogenic transplant uses stem cells from a donor, which can be a relative or an unrelated match. This option is chosen if the patient’s bone marrow is damaged or diseased. The choice between autologous and allogeneic transplants depends on factors such as the type of disease, the patient’s health status, and the availability of a suitable donor.

Dr. Sharma will explain the rationale behind the selected method, considering the patient’s medical history, test results, and overall health to ensure the best possible outcome. The personalized plan outlines the next steps, including pre-transplant conditioning, the transplant procedure, and post transplant care.

Bone Marrow Transplant at BLK Max Hospital

Day 5: Pre-Transplant Preparation

On Day 5, the patient returns to the hospital for pre-transplant preparations under the supervision of Dr. Sanjeev Sharma. This process takes place on the 7th floor of BLK Max Hospital. The day involves a series of steps to ensure the patient is ready for the bone marrow transplant.

If an Allogenic Transplant:

For an allogenic transplant, where the bone marrow comes from a donor, additional steps are involved. Dr. Sharma reviews the compatibility of the donor’s cells with the patient’s. The patient undergoes pre-conditioning, which includes high-dose chemotherapy or radiation to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and to suppress the immune system to prevent rejection of the transplanted cells.

If an Autologous Transplant:

In the case of an autologous transplant, where the patient’s own bone marrow cells are used, the process focuses on ensuring the harvested cells are ready for reinfusion. Dr. Sharma ensures the patient’s bone marrow cells have been adequately collected and stored. Pre-conditioning treatments are administered to prepare the patient’s body for the reinfusion of their own healthy cells, ensuring the elimination of remaining diseased cells.

General Preparations:

The hospital staff, including nurses and coordinators, are available to provide support and answer any questions the patient may have. In addition to the medical preparations, the patient and their family receive detailed information about the transplant procedure, post-transplant care, and potential risks and complications. This ensures that the patient is fully informed and comfortable with the process. This thorough preparation is crucial to maximize the chances of a successful transplant and to ensure the patient is in the best possible condition for the procedure.

Day 8-21: Recovery and Follow-up Care

From Day 8 to Day 21, the patient remains under the close observation and care of Dr. Sanjeev Sharma on the 7th floor. Daily check-ups are conducted to ensure the patient’s recovery is on track and to manage any potential side effects of the transplant. The medical team provides continuous support, adjusting treatment plans as necessary to promote healing and well-being.

Discharge and Post-Discharge Care

Upon discharge, the patient can obtain prescribed medications from the pharmacy on the ground floor. The hospital arranges for a cab to take the patient back to their hotel, where they are advised to rest according to Dr. Sharma’s recommendations. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s health and ensure a full recovery.

Returning Home

After completing the recovery phase, the hospital facilitates transportation to IGI International Airport, ensuring the patient’s safe departure. Following the rest period suggested by Dr. Sharma continuous monitoring, the patient leaves BLK Max Hospital healthy and ready to return to their home country, grateful for the comprehensive care received.

HLA Matching in Siblings for Bone Marrow Transplants

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Matching: HLA matching is a critical process in bone marrow transplants, as it involves comparing proteins on the surface of blood cells to ensure compatibility between the donor and recipient. These proteins help the immune system recognize which cells belong in the body and which do not.

Full Match: A full match, also known as a complete match, occurs when all HLA markers (typically 8 to 10 markers) between the donor and the recipient align perfectly. This scenario is most likely to happen between siblings due to their shared genetic material. A full match significantly reduces the risk of transplant rejection and complications, making it the ideal situation for a bone marrow transplant.

Half Match : A half match occurs when only some of the HLA markers align between the donor and recipient, usually seen in parents, children, or other close relatives. While half matches can sometimes be used in specific clinical situations, they are generally not considered as favorable as full matches due to a higher risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and other complications.

In most bone marrow transplant procedures, especially in cases where an HLA match is crucial, the transplant will proceed only if there is a full match to ensure the highest chance of success and minimize risks. Half matches are typically considered only when no fully matched donor is available and under specific medical conditions where the benefits outweigh the risks.

Induction and Consolidation Chemotherapy in Bone Marrow Transplant

Induction Chemotherapy: This is the initial phase of chemotherapy given to patients undergoing a bone marrow transplant. The goal of induction chemotherapy is to destroy as many cancer cells as possible to achieve a complete remission. This phase involves high doses of chemotherapy drugs, which aim to eliminate visible cancer cells in the bone marrow and blood. It is intensive and often requires hospitalization due to its strength and potential side effects.

Consolidation Chemotherapy: After achieving remission with induction chemotherapy, consolidation chemotherapy is administered to maintain remission and prevent relapse. This phase involves additional rounds of chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells that may not be visible but could cause a relapse. Consolidation therapy helps ensure the cancer is thoroughly eradicated before the bone marrow transplant takes place, increasing the chances of long-term success. This phase is crucial for sustaining remission and preparing the patient for the transplant procedure.

Cost and other differences between Induction and Consolidation Chemotherapy-

Side effects of Bone Marrow Transplant-

Infections: Due to a weakened immune system, patients are more susceptible to infections.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): This occurs when the donated marrow attacks the recipient’s body.

Anemia: Low red blood cell counts can lead to fatigue and weakness.

Bleeding and bruising: Low platelet counts increase the risk of bleeding.

Organ Damage: The liver, kidneys, lungs, or heart may be affected.

Mucositis: Inflammation and soreness in the mouth and throat.

Long-term effects: Such as infertility, cataracts, or secondary cancers.

Do’s and Don’ts for Bone Marrow Transplant Patients

Do’s:

1. Follow your doctor’s instructions: Adhere strictly to the treatment and care plan.
2. Maintain hygiene: Keep your surroundings clean and practice good personal hygiene.
3. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support recovery.
4. Eat a balanced diet: Focus on nutritious meals for energy and healing.
5. Attend regular follow-up appointments: Monitor progress and catch complications early.

Don’t’s:

1. Avoid crowded places: Minimize exposure to infections.
2. Do not skip medications: Missing doses can affect recovery.
3. Avoid raw or undercooked food: Reduce the risk of infections.
4. Don’t overexert yourself: Limit physical activity to avoid strain.
5. Avoid smoking or alcohol: These can hinder recovery and weaken the immune system.

Success Rate of Bone Marrow Transplant at BLK Max Hospital, India –

The success rate of bone marrow transplants at BLK Max Hospital, New Delhi, is an impressive 92%. This high success rate is a testament to the hospital’s advanced medical technology, skilled team of specialists, and personalized care approach. With a strong focus on patient safety and post-transplant care, BLK Max Hospital provides a high level of confidence to those seeking treatment for bone marrow disorders, ensuring a smoother recovery process and long-term health benefits.

Does Insurance Cover Bone Marrow Transplant in India ?

Yes, in India, many insurance policies cover bone marrow transplants, but the coverage depends on the specific terms and conditions of the policy. Some health insurance plans include bone marrow transplant under critical illness coverage, while others may require a rider or specific clause for it. It’s essential to review the policy carefully and confirm with the insurer about coverage for the procedure and associated costs, including hospitalization, pre and post-transplant care.

List of top 5 Insurance companies that cover Bone Marrow Transplant-

Star Health and Allied Insurance

Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance

Religare Health Insurance

HDFC ERGO Health Insurance

Max Bupa Health Insurance

General Information

• Address: Pusa Road, Radha Soami Satsang, New Delhi, Delhi 110005, India
• Contact Number: +911130403040

Appointment Booking

For booking an appointment, you can visit Expert Chikitsa or the hospital’s official website at BLK Max Hospital.