Success of a Stem Cell Transplant
A sense of joy floods the Hemato-Oncology Unit of the Children's Hospital every time a child leaves the ward after months of treatment, finding their way back to health
A New Chance for David
Yesterday, a ray of hope illuminated the life of David, a brave 5-year-old boy suffering from an inherited immune disorder, Chronic Granulomatous Disease. His battle against this disease has finally found the path to healing through a stem cell transplant. The medical team at the Children's Hospital (HUDERF) played a crucial role in this healing journey.
For David, the solution lay in replacing his own stem cells with those from a compatible donor. After a search, a suitable match was found in Germany. A donor, registered in the international bone marrow donor registry, offered renewed hope to David.
Today, after a bone marrow transplant and two months of hospitalization, David has finally left the isolation of the transplant unit. The entire medical and paramedical team gathered to celebrate this crucial step towards his recovery.
Understanding Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) primarily reside in the bone marrow and are responsible for producing various blood components such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Stem cell transplantation becomes necessary when the bone marrow is damaged or destroyed by diseases such as certain cancers or inherited immune disorders.
The procedure involves harvesting stem cells from a compatible donor for transplantation into the recipient (Allograft). These healthy stem cells are then infused into the patient's body, where they engraft in the bone marrow and begin producing new healthy blood cells.
Becoming a Hero by Donating Stem Cells
Donating hematopoietic stem cells offers a glimmer of hope for many patients with serious blood diseases, such as leukemia. Any individual aged 18 to 40 who meets the eligibility criteria for blood donation can register as a potential donor. Donating stem cells can save lives and offer a second chance to those who need it most.
