How To Treat Diamond-Blackfan Anemia

Stem Cell Transplant

Stem cell transplant is a method of treatment where hemopoietic or blood-forming stem cells are taken from a donor and transplanted into an individual who is ill to help cure or treat their condition. Only a close biological relative or a specially matched donor can donate stem cells to a patient in need. Stem cell transplants are used for numerous different conditions that can cause bone marrow to be unable to perform its function. Donor stem cells integrate into the bone and form new bone marrow to replace diseased and dead bone marrow that can no longer produce enough blood cells for the individual's body. Diamond-Blackfan anemia patients can benefit from stem cell transplant because it is the only known potential cure for the disease. However, few patients affected by bone marrow failure diseases like Diamond-Blackfan anemia are eligible to undergo stem cell transplants because the procedure has harsh side effects. An individual who is to undergo a stem cell transplant must have chemotherapy before the procedure to effectively clear the diseased or malfunctioning bone marrow from the bones before the transplant. If the patient is unable to tolerate chemotherapy, they cannot undergo a stem cell transplant.

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