A bone marrow transplant is the process in which the abnormal blood forming cells and immune system with healthy blood forming cells.. These healthy bone marrow can be from a family member or unrelated donor or cord blood unit.[5]
The
first two successful bone marrow transplants in the US occurred in
1968. These 2 transplants were both in primary immunodeficient patients,
one with SCID and the other with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome. Both
patients received marrow from related donors who were HLA (Human
Leucocyte Antigen) identical. It was in 1973 that the first successful
BMT between unrelated patients was performed. This was also on a SCID
patient. Although unrelated, the donor in this case was also 100% HLA
matched to the patient. The patient required multiple infusions of
marrow but ultimately engraftment was achieved.[1]
