Bone Marrow Transplant

minimum cost
₱ 0
maximum cost
₱ 0

Things you need to know

1.What is ​Bone Marrow Transplant?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Bone Marrow Transplant ?

.

Why do you need Bone Marrow Transplant ?

BMT is indicated for:

  • Blood cancers:
    • Leukemia (e.g., AML, ALL; 50–60% of cases), lymphoma (20–30%), multiple myeloma (10–15%).
    • Prevalence in India: Leukemia incidence 3–5 per 100,000; higher in children (ALL) and adults over 50 (AML).
  • Non-malignant conditions:
    • Aplastic anemia (5–10% of cases), sickle cell disease, thalassemia (common in India, 10,000 new cases yearly).
  • Other indications:
    • Failed chemotherapy/radiation: For cancer patients with relapse or refractory disease.
    • Genetic disorders: Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID, rare).
  • Types:
    • Autologous: Patient’s own stem cells (30–40% of cases; e.g., multiple myeloma).
    • Allogeneic: Donor stem cells (60–70%; matched sibling, unrelated donor, or haploidentical).
    • Stem cell source: Bone marrow, peripheral blood (most common), umbilical cord blood.
  • Associated treatments:
    • Pre-op: Conditioning regimen (chemotherapy/radiation) to destroy diseased marrow.
    • Post-op: Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine) to prevent rejection (allogeneic), infection prophylaxis.
  • Timing:
    • Performed in children and adults (average age 5–50 years); scheduled after remission (cancer) or disease stabilization.

The procedure aims to cure or control the underlying disease, restore normal blood cell production, and improve survival, with success rates varying by disease and donor match.

Why Do Bone Marrow Transplant Costs Vary in Philippines?

.

Bone Marrow Transplant Procedure

  • Before Procedure Evaluation:
    • Assessment:
      • HLA typing: Matches donor to recipient (allogeneic; 6/6 or 10/10 match ideal).
      • Blood tests: Liver/kidney function, infection screening (e.g., CMV, hepatitis), blood counts.
      • Imaging: Chest X-ray, CT to assess organ health; bone marrow biopsy to confirm disease status.
    • Preparation: Conditioning (5–10 days) with chemotherapy (e.g., cyclophosphamide) and/or radiation to eradicate diseased marrow; central line (e.g., Hickman catheter) placed.
    • Consent: Risks, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), are explained.
  • Procedure Technique:
    • Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant:
      • Performed in a sterile environment (HEPA-filtered room), lasting 1–2 hours for infusion.
      • Process:
        • Stem cell collection: Donor’s stem cells harvested (bone marrow via aspiration or peripheral blood via apheresis after G-CSF stimulation).
        • Conditioning: Patient receives chemotherapy/radiation (5–10 days prior) to suppress immune system.
        • Infusion: Stem cells infused via central line (like a blood transfusion); takes 1–2 hours.
        • Engraftment: Stem cells migrate to bone marrow, start producing blood cells (10–28 days).
    • Autologous:
      • Similar, but patient’s stem cells collected pre-conditioning, cryopreserved, and reinfused.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Apheresis machine: Collects peripheral blood stem cells.
      • Central line: For infusion and post-op care.
      • Monitoring: Vital signs during infusion.
  • After Procedure:
    • Hospital stay: 3–6 weeks (isolation to prevent infections).
    • Care: Blood transfusions (until engraftment), antibiotics (e.g., acyclovir for viral prophylaxis), monitor for engraftment (ANC >500 for 3 days).
    • Pain management: Minimal pain from infusion; conditioning side effects (e.g., nausea, fatigue) managed with supportive care.
    • Instructions: Strict infection control (handwashing, masks); no visitors initially; high-calorie diet to aid recovery.

Recovery After Bone Marrow Transplant

  1. Hospital Stay: 3–6 weeks.
  2. Post-Procedure Care:
    • Engraftment: 10–28 days; fatigue, nausea from conditioning resolves in 2–4 weeks.
    • Activity: Avoid strenuous activity for 3–6 months; light walking encouraged after discharge.
    • Immune recovery: Full recovery takes 6–12 months (allogeneic); infections common early on.
    • Diet: High-calorie, high-protein diet; avoid raw foods for 3–6 months (infection risk).
    • Medications: Immunosuppressants (allogeneic, 6–12 months), antibiotics/antivirals (3–6 months).
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits weekly for 1–3 months, then monthly for 1 year; monitor blood counts, GVHD, infections.
    • Chimerism testing: At 1–3 months to confirm donor cell engraftment; 90–95% success in matched donors.

Most resume normal activities in 3–6 months; full recovery takes 6–12 months (autologous) or 1–2 years (allogeneic). Success rate: 60–90% survival at 5 years (disease-dependent; e.g., AML in remission 70–80%); 90–95% engraftment success.

Risks and Complications

  • Procedure Risks:
    • Infection (20–30%): Bacterial, fungal (e.g., Aspergillus), viral (e.g., CMV); managed with prophylaxis, IV antibiotics.
    • Graft failure (5–10%): Stem cells fail to engraft; higher in unrelated donors; may need second transplant.
    • Veno-occlusive disease (VOD, 5–15%): Liver damage from conditioning; managed with supportive care.
  • Post-Procedure:
    • Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD, 30–50%, allogeneic): Donor cells attack host tissues (skin, liver, gut); managed with steroids, immunosuppressants.
    • Mucositis (40–60%): Mouth sores from conditioning; resolves in 2–3 weeks.
    • Bleeding (5–10%): Low platelets; may need transfusions.
  • Long-Term:
    • Relapse (20–40%): Cancer recurrence; higher in advanced disease; may need additional therapy.
    • Secondary cancers (2–5% at 10 years): From conditioning; needs long-term monitoring.

Report fever, rash, diarrhea, or jaundice promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the need for a bone marrow transplant?

Blood cancers (e.g., leukemia), severe anemias (e.g., aplastic anemia), or genetic disorders (e.g., thalassemia).

Can I avoid a bone marrow transplant?

Yes, if early-stage: Chemotherapy/radiation (cancer); supportive care (anemia); BMT needed for advanced or refractory disease.

Is a bone marrow transplant painful?

Minimal pain during infusion; conditioning side effects (e.g., nausea, fatigue) are more significant, managed with supportive care.

How soon can I resume normal activities?

Light activities: 2–3 months; full recovery: 6–12 months (autologous) or 1–2 years (allogeneic); avoid crowds for 6–12 months.

Is a bone marrow transplant covered by insurance in India?

Often covered (medical necessity); confirm with your provider; Ayushman Bharat often subsidizes.

Signs of complications?

Fever, rash, diarrhea, or jaundice.

How effective is a bone marrow transplant?

60–90% survival at 5 years (disease-dependent); 90–95% engraftment success; 20–40% relapse risk.

Lifestyle changes post-transplant?

Follow strict infection control, take medications, eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking/alcohol, and attend regular follow-ups.

Conclusion

.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Bone Marrow Transplant

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

What is a Bone Marrow Transplant?

A bone marrow transplant (BMT), also known as a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), is a procedure that replaces diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells to restore blood cell production. It is commonly used to treat blood cancers (e.g., leukemia), severe anemias (e.g., aplastic anemia), or genetic blood disorders. In the Philippines, BMT is performed in specialized hematology or oncology departments at hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, and Philippine General Hospital (PGH), offering advanced care at relatively affordable costs. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is essential for Filipino patients to make informed decisions.

Why Do You Need a Bone Marrow Transplant?

BMT is indicated for:

  • Blood Cancers:

    • Leukemia: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; 50–60% of cases).

    • Lymphoma: Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s (20–30%).

    • Multiple Myeloma: 10–15% of cases.

    • Prevalence: Leukemia incidence in the Philippines is ~3–5 per 100,000; higher in children (ALL) and adults over 50 (AML).

  • Non-Malignant Conditions:

    • Aplastic Anemia: 5–10% of cases; bone marrow fails to produce blood cells.

    • Sickle Cell Disease or Thalassemia: Common in certain populations; ~1,000–2,000 new thalassemia cases yearly in the Philippines.

  • Other Indications:

    • Failed chemotherapy/radiation for cancer patients with relapse or refractory disease.

    • Genetic disorders: Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID, rare).

  • Types:

    • Autologous: Patient’s own stem cells (30–40% of cases; e.g., multiple myeloma).

    • Allogeneic: Donor stem cells (60–70%; matched sibling, unrelated donor, or haploidentical).

    • Stem Cell Source: Bone marrow, peripheral blood (most common, 70–80%), umbilical cord blood (rare, <5%).

  • Associated Treatments:

    • Pre-op: Conditioning regimen (chemotherapy and/or radiation) to destroy diseased marrow.

    • Post-op: Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus) to prevent rejection (allogeneic), infection prophylaxis (e.g., antibiotics, antivirals).

  • Timing:

    • Performed in children and adults (average age 5–50 years); scheduled after remission (cancer) or disease stabilization.

The procedure aims to cure or control the underlying disease, restore normal blood cell production, and improve survival, with success rates varying by disease, donor match, and patient condition.

Why Do Bone Marrow Transplant Costs Vary in the Philippines?

Costs range from ₱1,500,000 to ₱4,000,000, based on:

  • Procedure Type:

    • Autologous: ₱1,500,000–₱2,500,000.

    • Allogeneic: ₱2,000,000–₱4,000,000 (donor matching adds cost).

  • Hospital/Location: Higher costs in Metro Manila private hospitals (e.g., St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center: ₱2,500,000–₱4,000,000); lower in public hospitals like PGH (₱800,000–₱1,500,000, often subsidized by PhilHealth or PCSO medical assistance).

  • Donor Type: Sibling donor (less costly); unrelated donor (higher cost due to registry fees, ₱300,000–₱800,000).

  • Additional Costs: Conditioning regimen (₱300,000–₱800,000), hospital stay (₱20,000–₱50,000/day for 3–6 weeks), medications (₱300,000–₱800,000, e.g., immunosuppressants), diagnostic tests (₱200,000–₱400,000, e.g., HLA typing, imaging).

  • Insurance: PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱100,000–₱500,000 depending on case type); private insurance or charitable programs (e.g., PCSO, NGOs) may cover additional costs for medical necessity. Confirm with your provider.

Bone Marrow Transplant Procedure

Before Procedure Evaluation:

  • Assessment:

    • HLA Typing: Matches donor to recipient (allogeneic; 6/6 or 10/10 match ideal for best outcomes).

    • Blood Tests: Liver/kidney function, infection screening (e.g., CMV, hepatitis), complete blood count (CBC).

    • Imaging: Chest X-ray, CT scan to assess organ health; bone marrow biopsy to confirm disease status.

  • Preparation: Conditioning regimen (5–10 days) with chemotherapy (e.g., cyclophosphamide, busulfan) and/or total body irradiation to eradicate diseased marrow and suppress immune system; central line (e.g., Hickman catheter) placed for infusions. Consent includes discussion of risks like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

  • Multidisciplinary Team: Involves hematologist, oncologist, transplant coordinator, and infectious disease specialist.

Procedure Technique:

  1. Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant:

    • Performed in a sterile, HEPA-filtered room to prevent infections, with infusion lasting 1–2 hours.

    • Process:

      • Stem Cell Collection: Donor’s stem cells harvested via bone marrow aspiration (under anesthesia) or peripheral blood apheresis (after G-CSF stimulation to mobilize stem cells).

      • Conditioning: Patient receives chemotherapy/radiation (5–10 days prior) to eliminate diseased marrow and immune system.

      • Infusion: Stem cells infused via central line (like a blood transfusion); takes 1–2 hours.

      • Engraftment: Stem cells migrate to bone marrow and begin producing blood cells (10–28 days, typically 14–21 days for neutrophils).

  2. Autologous Transplant:

    • Similar process, but patient’s stem cells are collected pre-conditioning, cryopreserved, and reinfused after conditioning.

  3. Intraoperative Tools:

    • Apheresis machine: Collects peripheral blood stem cells.

    • Central line: Facilitates stem cell infusion and post-op care.

    • Monitoring: Vital signs (heart rate, oxygen levels) during infusion.

After Procedure:

  • Hospital Stay: 3–6 weeks in isolation to prevent infections.

  • Care: Blood/platelet transfusions until engraftment (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] >500 for 3 days); antibiotics (e.g., acyclovir for viral prophylaxis), antifungals (e.g., fluconazole), and immunosuppressants (allogeneic).

  • Pain Management: Minimal pain from infusion; conditioning side effects (e.g., nausea, fatigue, mucositis) managed with antiemetics, analgesics, and IV nutrition if needed.

  • Instructions: Strict infection control (handwashing, masks, no visitors initially); high-calorie, high-protein diet (e.g., eggs, lean meats) to aid recovery; avoid raw foods (e.g., sushi, salads) for 3–6 months.

Recovery After Bone Marrow Transplant

  • Hospital Stay: 3–6 weeks.

  • Post-Procedure Care:

    • Engraftment: Occurs in 10–28 days; fatigue, nausea from conditioning resolves in 2–4 weeks.

    • Activity: Avoid strenuous activity for 3–6 months; light walking encouraged post-discharge to improve strength.

    • Immune Recovery: Takes 6–12 months (autologous) or 1–2 years (allogeneic); infections common early on (20–30% risk in first 100 days).

    • Diet: High-calorie, high-protein diet (2,000–2,500 kcal/day); avoid raw/undercooked foods for 3–6 months due to infection risk.

    • Medications: Immunosuppressants (allogeneic, 6–12 months, e.g., cyclosporine), antibiotics/antivirals (3–6 months), growth factors (e.g., G-CSF to hasten engraftment).

  • Follow-Up:

    • Weekly visits for 1–3 months, then monthly for 1 year; monitor blood counts, GVHD, infections.

    • Chimerism testing: At 1–3 months to confirm donor cell engraftment (90–95% success in matched donors).

    • Vaccinations: Restarted 12–24 months post-transplant due to immune system reset.

  • Most resume normal activities in 3–6 months; full recovery takes 6–12 months (autologous) or 1–2 years (allogeneic). Success rate: 60–90% survival at 5 years (disease-dependent; e.g., AML in remission 70–80%, thalassemia 80–90%); 90–95% engraftment success.

Risks and Complications

  • Procedure Risks:

    • Infection (20–30%): Bacterial (e.g., E. coli), fungal (e.g., Aspergillus), or viral (e.g., CMV); managed with prophylaxis and IV antibiotics.

    • Graft Failure (5–10%): Stem cells fail to engraft; higher in unrelated or haploidentical donors; may need second transplant.

    • Veno-Occlusive Disease (VOD, 5–15%): Liver damage from conditioning; managed with supportive care or defibrotide.

  • Post-Procedure:

    • Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD, 30–50%, allogeneic): Donor cells attack host tissues (skin, liver, gut); acute (within 100 days) or chronic; managed with steroids, immunosuppressants.

    • Mucositis (40–60%): Mouth/esophageal sores from conditioning; resolves in 2–3 weeks with supportive care.

    • Bleeding (5–10%): Due to low platelets; may need transfusions.

  • Long-Term:

    • Relapse (20–40%): Cancer recurrence, higher in advanced disease; may need additional therapy (e.g., donor lymphocyte infusion).

    • Secondary Cancers (2–5% at 10 years): From conditioning (e.g., leukemia, skin cancer); requires long-term monitoring.

    • Infertility (50–80%): From chemotherapy/radiation; fertility preservation (e.g., sperm/egg banking) advised pre-transplant.

  • Report fever, rash, diarrhea, or jaundice promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the need for a bone marrow transplant?
Blood cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma), severe anemias (e.g., aplastic anemia), or genetic disorders (e.g., thalassemia, sickle cell disease).

Can I avoid a bone marrow transplant?
Yes, if early-stage: Chemotherapy/radiation (cancer) or supportive care (anemia); BMT needed for advanced, refractory, or genetic diseases.

Is a bone marrow transplant painful?
Minimal pain during infusion; conditioning side effects (e.g., nausea, fatigue, mucositis) are more significant, managed with supportive care.

How soon can I resume normal activities?
Light activities: 2–3 months; full recovery: 6–12 months (autologous) or 1–2 years (allogeneic); avoid crowds for 6–12 months due to infection risk.

Is a bone marrow transplant covered by insurance in the Philippines?
PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱100,000–₱500,000); private insurance or PCSO medical assistance may cover additional costs for medical necessity. Confirm with your provider.

What are the signs of complications?
Fever, rash, diarrhea, jaundice, or difficulty breathing require immediate attention.

How effective is a bone marrow transplant?
60–90% survival at 5 years (disease-dependent; e.g., AML in remission 70–80%, thalassemia 80–90%); 90–95% engraftment success; 20–40% relapse risk.

What lifestyle changes are needed post-transplant?
Follow strict infection control (handwashing, masks), take medications, eat a high-calorie/protein diet, avoid smoking/alcohol, and attend regular follow-ups.

Conclusion

Bone marrow transplant is a life-saving procedure for blood cancers and severe anemias, offering high success rates for disease control and survival with proper care. The Philippines’ top hospitals (St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center, PGH) provide advanced care at costs ranging from ₱1,500,000 to ₱4,000,000, often partially covered by PhilHealth, private insurance, or charitable programs. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs empowers patients to approach treatment confidently. Consult a hematologist or oncologist for personalized guidance and to ensure optimal outcomes.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Bone Marrow Transplant

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
1,500,000
3,000,000
Antipolo
1,500,000
3,000,000
Bacolod
1,500,000
3,000,000
Bacoor
1,500,000
2,500,000
Baguio
1,500,000
3,000,000
Butuan
1,500,000
2,500,000
Cagayan de Oro
1,500,000
3,000,000
Caloocan
1,500,000
2,500,000
Cebu City
1,800,000
3,500,000
Dasmariñas
1,500,000
2,500,000
Davao City
1,800,000
3,500,000
General Santos
1,500,000
3,000,000
General Trias
1,500,000
2,500,000
Iligan
1,500,000
3,000,000
Iloilo City
1,500,000
3,000,000
Las Piñas
1,500,000
3,000,000
Makati
3,000,000
3,500,000
Malolos
1,500,000
2,500,000
Manila
1,800,000
3,500,000
Muntinlupa
1,500,000
3,000,000
Parañaque
1,500,000
3,000,000
Pasay
1,500,000
3,000,000
Pasig
1,800,000
3,500,000
Puerto Princesa
1,500,000
3,000,000
Quezon City
1,800,000
3,500,000
San Fernando
1,500,000
2,500,000
San Jose del Monte
1,500,000
2,500,000
Taguig
1,800,000
3,500,000
Valenzuela
1,500,000
2,500,000
Zamboanga City
1,500,000
3,000,000

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

Scroll to Top