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Overview
Growing healthy new bone marrow
A bone marrow transplant is also known as a stem cell transplant.
Normally, blood cells form in bone marrow, the soft, spongy tissue found in the center of certain bones. A bone marrow transplant involves using stem cells to create healthy, new bone marrow. That marrow makes healthy new blood cells.
Types of bone marrow transplant
Stem cells form many other types of cells. UW Health Kids offers a variety of transplant options using all stem cell sources. Your doctor will decide the best type of transplant for your child. The types of transplants include:
Adult unrelated donor transplants
Harvesting stem cells from a genetically matched, non-family member adult. We find these donors through national registries.
Autologous transplants
Harvesting stem cells from your child’s own bones or blood.
Haploidentical transplants (parent to child)
Harvesting stem cells from a biological parent. Parents are always a genetic half-match for their children.
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matched sibling transplant
Harvesting stem cells from a child's biological brother or sister. There is a 25% chance a sibling's HLA — a protein found on most cells — will match that of the child receiving the transplant.
Umbilical cord blood transplant
Harvesting stem cells from a newborn baby's umbilical cord.
About the treatment
Types of cancers treated through bone marrow transplant
We may use a bone marrow transplant to treat several types of cancer. It’s also sometimes an option for noncancerous conditions.
Hematologic cancers
Hematologic cancers form in the bone marrow or the immune system. They include:
Solid tumors
Solid tumors are abnormal growths in the body that don't contain cysts or liquid. Types include:
Bone marrow failure syndromes
Bone marrow failure syndromes are a rare group of conditions. They prevent the body from making enough blood. Types include:
Hemoglobinopathies
Hemoglobinopathies refer to conditions that affect the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen in the body. Hemoglobinopathies include:
Primary immune deficiencies
Primary immune deficiencies are genetic conditions. They affect the body's ability to fight off infections. Some of these include:
Chronic granulomatous disease
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
Resistant cancers
Sometimes, cancer doesn't respond to treatments the way we hope it will. For certain cancers, we offer clinical trials that test promising new stem cell transplant therapies. We are the only transplant center in the country to offer some of these treatments. Our research programs aim to improve cancer treatments for all children.
Treatment process
What to expect
Bone marrow transplant process
Your child will have several tests and exams to make sure a bone marrow transplant is the best treatment option. From beginning to end, the transplant process may take several weeks.
Stem cell collection
In some cases, children donate their own stem cells. We may collect the cells from your child's blood or using a needle placed in your child's bone while the child is sedated. In other cases, a donor will provide the stem cells. We store the cells until we're ready to use them.
Bone marrow destruction
We will use chemotherapy or radiation to destroy your child's existing, unhealthy bone marrow. This procedure occurs several days before the transplant.
Stem cell delivery
We infuse your child's new stem cells through a tube placed in a large vein. Usually, this process is painless and relatively quick.
Follow-up care
It will take a few weeks for the stem cells to reach your child's bone marrow and create new blood cells. During this time, we watch your child carefully. We take special care to protect their health and reduce their risk of infection. We will also monitor your child on an ongoing basis.
UW Health Kids
Our pediatric experts have served the special needs of children for more than 100 years. We focus on each child’s unique needs and offer social and emotional support to help you and your child face even the most complex condition. Our long history includes the creation of medical advances that save lives around the world. Together, we get your child back to health and enjoying being a kid.
Meet our team
Our team, your child front and center
Our experts work with you and your child to make a bone marrow transplant as easy as we can.
Your dedicated team includes doctors and a nurse practitioner. Other specialists involved include professionals from child psychology, child life, social work, pharmacy and rehabilitative services.
Pediatric hematology and oncology
Locations
Here for you, helping your child heal
At American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, Wis., you will find a friendly, child-centered environment. Our hospital is designed with relaxing spaces and areas where children are encouraged to play.
Patient and support services
Resources to ease your journey
When a child has a serious illness, it can be hard on your whole family. Services offered through the hospital and the community are designed to help. Learning more about your child's treatment might also help.
Services offered at American Family Children's Hospital
There are services available at both American Family Children’s Hospital and in the community to help patients and their families through every step of their journey. The services we offer include:
Pediatric cancer services
With our expertise comes compassion. Our team considers you and your child part of our family. We will be by your side every step of the way. From diagnosis through treatment and into adulthood, we will care for your child as if they are our own.
Learn more