Bone Marrow Transplants in the UK

Stem cell transplant or bone marrow transplant is a type of treatment that replaces damaged blood cells with healthy ones. Stem cell transplants are a complex medical procedure and can only be provided at specialist centres. They have been used to treat blood cancers and disorders for many years, and more recently have been used to treat some auto-immune conditions, specifically Multiple Sclerosis.

At HCA Healthcare UK our network of quality assured haematopoietic stem cell transplant centres provide expert care for patients with blood cancer. Each or our centres are JACIE accredited, an independent accreditation that recognises high quality patient care.

There are different types of stem cell transplants, the most common are:

• Autologous transplant – using your own stem cells
• Allogeneic transplant – using donor cells

Depending on your diagnosis you may be able to use your own stem cells for the transplant, however this is not always possible and a donor is required. A donor may be a family member who is considered to be a good match (related donor), or if this is not possible then it may be from an unrelated donor who has chosen to donate their stem cells to the British Bone Marrow Registry.

Less common transplants are:

• Cord blood transplant – using donor umbilical cord stem cells
• Haploidenticle transplant (Haplo) – using donor cells

These transplants are an option for patients who are unable to find a high match donor.

At HCA Healthcare UK we work with expert consultant Haematologists who are highly experienced in providing stem cell transplants. They lead a team of experts from specialist nurses to pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to ensure you get the best possible care.

Your consultant will discuss your diagnosis with you in detail and, if stem cell transplant is a treatment option for you, then we have a whole team of experts who can provide you with more information and support.