Overview

Bone Marrow Transplantation in Kolkata

Bone Marrow

Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside certain bones (such as the hip and thigh bones) that produces blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It plays a crucial role in the body’s immune system and oxygen transport.

Updated 8 Jun 2026

Conditions We Treat

When to See Our Bone Marrow Transplant Team

Common reasons people come to us — what to watch for, and how Desun’s team treats it.

Blood Cancers
See a doctor ifLeukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma that needs a transplant.
How we treat itAutologous (own cells) and allogeneic (donor) transplants.
See a Specialist
Thalassaemia & Aplastic Anaemia
See a doctor ifTransfusion-dependent anaemia, or bone-marrow failure.
How we treat itTransplant can offer a cure for suitable patients.
See a Specialist
Donor Matching
See a doctor ifA sibling or family member may be a donor.
How we treat itHLA matching and donor evaluation.
See a Specialist

Our Specialists

Meet Bone Marrow Transplant Specialists

Desun Hospital has some of the leading Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) specialists in Kolkata, offering advanced care for blood cancers, blood disorders, and stem cell transplantation with a multidisciplinary approach.

Dr Sundar Shewale

Consultant - Haematologist, Haemato Oncologist and Lead BMT Physician

MBBS · MD · DrNB · PDF · PDCC · FICH · FILH

View profile: Dr Sundar Shewale

Dr Arijit Bishnu

Consultant – Haemato-Oncologist & Bone Marrow Transplant Physician

MBBS · MD · DM ( Clinical Hematology)

View profile: Dr Arijit Bishnu

Know About BMT

Bone Marrow Transplant Meaning – What Is BMT?

A Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT), also known as a stem cell transplant, is a medical procedure used to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This treatment is often used for conditions like blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma), aplastic anemia, thalassemia, and immune deficiencies.

How Does a Bone Marrow (Stem Cell) Transplant Work?

Collection of Healthy Stem Cells

Healthy stem cells are collected either from the patient (autologous transplant) or from a matched donor (allogeneic transplant).

Conditioning Treatment

The patient undergoes high-dose chemotherapy or radiation to destroy diseased bone marrow and suppress the immune system.

Infusion of Stem Cells

The healthy stem cells are infused into the patient’s bloodstream through an IV, like a blood transfusion.

Engraftment & Recovery

The infused stem cells travel to the bone marrow and start producing new, healthy blood cells, restoring the body’s immune and blood function.

Why Choose Kolkata for Stem Cell Transplant?

Kolkata is home to advanced BMT centers and experienced hematology specialists, providing affordable, high-quality care for patients needing bone marrow and stem cell transplants.

When Is a Bone Marrow Transplant Needed?

A Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) or stem cell transplant is recommended for patients with serious blood-related diseases where the bone marrow cannot function properly. Common BMT Indications include:

Blood Cancers – Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma
Bone Marrow Failure – Aplastic Anemia
Genetic Blood Disorders – Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia
Certain Immune System Disorders

A BMT replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, restoring the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells and fight infections. If you are looking for blood cancer treatment in Kolkata or advanced care for bone marrow failure and genetic blood disorders, specialized BMT centers provide world-class treatment at affordable costs.

Types of Bone Marrow Transplants

A Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) can be of different types depending on the source of stem cells. The main Types of BMT include:

Autologous Transplant

The patient’s own healthy stem cells are collected before treatment and reintroduced after chemotherapy/radiation. Commonly for blood cancers like lymphoma and multiple myeloma. No risk of donor mismatch, lower rejection chances. Advanced centers in Kolkata offer autologous transplants with high success rates.

Allogeneic Transplant

Healthy stem cells are collected from a donor (can be related, unrelated, or haploidentical/half-matched donor). For conditions like leukemia, aplastic anemia, and genetic blood disorders.

Types of Allogeneic Transplants:

Matched Related Donor (MRD) – Usually a sibling.
Matched Unrelated Donor (MUD) – From a donor registry.
Haploidentical Transplant – Half-matched donor (parent or child).

Bone Marrow Transplant Procedure

Step by Step Understanding the BMT procedure step by step helps patients and families prepare for the treatment. Here’s how Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) is done:

Pre-Transplant Evaluation & Tests

Before the transplant, the patient undergoes comprehensive medical tests, including:

Blood tests
Bone marrow biopsy
Imaging (CT/MRI)
Heart, lung, and kidney function tests
Infectious disease screening

This stage ensures the patient is healthy enough for the bone marrow transplant process and helps select the best treatment plan.

Conditioning (Chemotherapy / Radiation)/h3 The Patient Receives High-dose Chemotherapy and/Or Radiation Therapy to:

Destroy Diseased Bone Marrow Cells

Suppress the Immune System to Prevent Rejection

Prepare the Body for New Healthy Stem Cells
This Is Also Called the Conditioning Regimen.

Transplant Process (Stem Cell Infusion)

The collected healthy stem cells (from the patient or donor) are infused into the bloodstream via an IV line, like a blood transfusion.

The cells travel to the bone marrow and start producing new blood cells.
This is the core step of how BMT is done.

Post-Transplant Care in a Sterile Environment

After infusion, the patient is kept in a protected, sterile room to reduce infection risks.

Regular blood tests to monitor recovery
Immunosuppressive medications to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in allogeneic transplants
Careful diet and hygiene practices until immunity recovers

Real Stories, Real Care

Patient Testimonials

From patients and doctors of Desun’s Bone Marrow Transplant team.

Patient story
Patient Testimonial
Patient story
Patient Testimonial

Case Studies

Bone Marrow Transplant – Case Studies

Real cases treated by Desun’s Bone Marrow Transplant team.

All case studies

Case Study30 Dec 2025
Successful Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant for Aplastic Anaemia
Patient Background and Presentation A 28-year-old man from Malda arrived at Desun Hospital with persistent fatigue, recurrent infections, and unexplained bruising. His…

Articles & News

Bone Marrow Transplant – Health Articles & News

Health tips, events and news from Desun’s Bone Marrow Transplant team.

All health articles

Can children undergo BMT?

Yes, children can undergo a bone marrow transplant, especially for genetic disorders like thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, as well as certain cancers. Pediatric BMT units in Kolkata provide specialized care for children.

How long do patients live after BMT?

Many patients go on to live a healthy, normal life after a bone marrow transplant, especially when the transplant is done early in the disease stage and proper post-BMT care is followed.

What is the success rate of BMT?

The success rate of bone marrow transplant depends on factors like the patient’s age, disease type, and donor match. On average, success rates range from 60% to 90% for certain conditions in advanced centers like those in Kolkata.

Is BMT painful?

The bone marrow transplant procedure itself is not painful, as stem cells are infused through an IV like a blood transfusion. However, patients may experience temporary discomfort during the conditioning phase (chemotherapy/radiation) or post-transplant recovery.

Bone Marrow Transplant Cost in Kolkata

The approximate cost of a bone marrow transplant at Desun Hospital ranges between ₹10–12 lakhs, making it one of the most affordable BMT options in Kolkata without compromising on quality and safety. Desun’s dedicated BMT unit is equipped with advanced facilities, experienced specialists, and strict infection control measures to ensure the best outcomes.
Insurance & financial assistance options: We also provide insurance coverage and financial assistance options, making BMT with insurance at Desun Hospital hassle-free for patients and their families.

Risks & Complications of BMT

Graft vs Host Disease (GVHD)

What is GVHD?
A serious complication in allogeneic transplants (when donor stem cells are used), where the new immune cells attack the patient’s body.
Types:
Acute GVHD – Develops within 100 days after transplant
Chronic GVHD – Appears later and can last for months or years
Prevention & Care: Immunosuppressive drugs and close monitoring.

Infections & Bleeding Risks

After BMT, the immune system is very weak, increasing vulnerability to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Low platelet counts can cause internal or external bleeding. Safe Bone Marrow Transplant in Kolkata: Advanced hospitals provide sterile transplant units, HEPA filtration rooms, and strict infection control to minimize these risks.

Long-Term Side Effects

Organ complications (lungs, liver, heart)
Hormonal imbalances & fertility issues
Increased risk of secondary cancers in rare cases
Fatigue and bone/joint problems over time

Recovery & Life After BMT

Hospital Stay & Home Care

Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for 15-17 days after transplant in a sterile environment to prevent infections.
Home Care: Once discharged, strict hygiene and infection control must continue at home. Post BMT Care in Kolkata: Leading transplant centers offer specialized follow-up clinics for safe recovery.

Diet & Lifestyle Changes

Eat a balanced, protein-rich diet to promote healing.
Avoid raw or undercooked foods to reduce infection risk.
Drink safe, filtered water.
Practice good oral hygiene and avoid crowded places.
Include light physical activity as advised by your doctor.

Immunity & Vaccinations After Transplant

After BMT, the immune system takes time (6–12 months) to recover.
Vaccinations: Doctors recommend re-vaccination for childhood immunizations and preventive vaccines once immunity improves.
Regular blood tests are required to monitor recovery and detect complications early.

Bone Marrow Donor Information

A successful Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) depends on finding a compatible stem cell donor. The process involves HLA typing and donor selection to ensure the best outcome.

Donor Matching (HLA Typing)
What is HLA Typing?
HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) typing is a test that checks the genetic compatibility between donor and patient. The closer the HLA match, the lower the risk of complications like Graft vs Host Disease (GVHD). Bone marrow match process is usually done using blood or cheek swab samples.

Related vs Unrelated Donors
Related Donor: Usually a sibling, as they have the highest chance (25%) of being an HLA match.
Unrelated Donor: Found through national and international donor registries when no family match is available.
Haploidentical Donor: A half-matched relative (parent or child) can be considered if no full match is available.

Role of Donor Registries
Bone marrow donor registries help patients connect with voluntary donors worldwide. Registries maintain a database of potential stem cell donors who are willing to donate if they match.

Why Choose Desun Hospital for Bone Marrow Transplant?

Desun Hospital is recognized as a leading Bone Marrow Transplant Center in Kolkata, offering advanced care and high success rates for patients with blood disorders and cancers.
Experienced Team of Hematologists & Oncologists
Our specialized team of hematologists and oncologists brings years of expertise in handling complex BMT cases, ensuring personalized treatment and better outcomes. 24×7 Critical Care & Infection Control
We provide round-the-clock critical care support, along with state-of-the-art infection control measures, HEPA-filtered rooms, and a sterile transplant unit to ensure maximum safety during and after the procedure.