What are the risks related to getting a bone marrow/stem cell transplant?

It is important to think about both the risks and the benefits of a bone marrow/stem cell transplant. A transplant doctor can answer your questions and help you decide if a transplant is an option for you.

A bone marrow transplant has serious risks. Some patients suffer from life-threatening problems as a result of their transplant. These problems can include serious infections and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), in which the transplanted cells attack the patient's body.

On the other hand, a transplant may be the best hope for a cure or a longer life for some patients. It is currently the only cure for bone marrow failure diseases like aplastic anemia, MDS and PNH. You, your doctor and your family need to consider many things when making a decision, including your disease stage, your age, your overall health, whether a matching donor is available, and other treatment options.