It is not uncommon to hear the terms “bone marrow” and “stem cells” used interchangeably, as bone marrow is the main source of one specific type of stem cells – hematopoietic. However, there is a difference between the two, namely in the transplant process.
Today we are going to look at bone marrow stem cells, covering not only what they are, but some of their benefits, functions, and the conditions they are used to treat.
Before we go any further, we must answer this question. As mentioned above, bone marrow and stem cells are terms often used to describe the same thing, but in a bone marrow transplant, the stem cells are harvested from the bone marrow, while in a peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBST) they are harvested from the patient’s blood.
For our purposes today, we are going to refer to the process of a stem cell transplant using cells harvested from a donor’s bone marrow as a bone marrow transplant. The largest concentration of blood stem cells is found in the bone marrow, which is why it is often a good source. It is important to keep in mind that the blood stem cells in bone marrow can be moved out of the bone marrow into the bloodstream, making for a much easier collection.
Today, the majority of blood stem cells are harvested from the bloodstream, as collecting them from the bone marrow itself can be very painful.
Stem cells typically remain inside the bone marrow until they are fully developed, at which point they move into the bloodstream. These stem cells are very important, as they are what helps the body’s tissues heal and recover.
Yes. Bone marrow is where new blood stem cells are created. Bone marrow makes two different types of stem cells:
Patients who have been diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplasia, multiple myeloma, other severe blood diseases, or immune disorders may be a good candidate for a bone marrow transplant. These important blood stem cells may benefit those with these types of cancers because they often affect the blood cells, the lymphatic system, immune system, and plasma cells.
We have seen firsthand how blood stem cells from bone marrow have put cancer into remission, helping the patient live a happy and healthy life.
Here at Texas Partners Healthcare Group, we are dedicated to educating our patients and helping them find treatment options and therapies that are both safe and effective. We are the leading pain management clinic in Frisco and are advocates for the healing powers of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy, including bone marrow transplants. To learn more about bone marrow stem cells or to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced doctors, contact TXP today.