Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplantation

Bone marrow transplantation involves introducing healthy blood-forming cells in order to supplant diseased or impaired bone marrow. It is also known as a stem cell transplant. It is used to treat numerous medical conditions such as acute leukemia, adrenoleukodystrophy, aplastic anemia and chronic leukemia. The procedure involves pretransplant procedures and examinations wherein the health of the patient is monitored. There are two major types of cell transplant procedures, namely, autologous stem cell transplant and allogeneic stem cell transplant. Autologous stem cell transplant makes use of healthy stem cells from a person's own body to replace damaged bone marrow. Allogeneic stem cell transplants take cells from another donor for the treatment of the bone marrow. This book discusses the fundamentals as well as modern approaches of stem cell and bone marrow transplantation. It will also provide interesting topics for research which interested readers can take up. The book is appropriate for medical students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.