Bone marrow transplant can cure sickle cell disease for some people.

You get donated blood-making stem cells from someone else. This lets your body make healthy red blood cells.

If it works:

• You may be cured.
• You will likely have less pain.
• You could stop sickle cell disease medicines (example: Hydroxyurea).
• You will probably not need more blood transfusions for sickle cell disease.
• You will likely not get new organ damage from sickle cell disease, but it will not fix any organ damage you already have developed.
• You may not need to go to the hospital as often as before.

Bone marrow transplant is a long, difficult treatment.

There are risks and costs to consider.

Time

• You will spend a lot of time away from your normal life.
• Treatment takes 6 to 12 months, including recovery.
• It can take as long as 2 years to feel back to normal.
• You will have follow-up visits for up to several years.

Risks

• You can have problems during and after treatment.
• Treatment is hard on your body.
• It can cause new health problems and side effects.
• It is not common, but there is a risk of cancer (less than 1%) or death (about 10%).
• It does not work for everyone. If graft rejection happens, sickle cell disease can come back, or you may need a second transplant.

Cost

• The financial cost is different for everyone.
• Medical costs can be paid by health insurance or a research program.
• Costs for some support services may not be covered.
• There can be other costs: loss of income due to time off work, time away from home, transportation, caregiver expenses, and more.

Mental Health

• Treatment can also be a mental challenge.
• You will spend a lot of time away from your normal life.
• You will miss school, work, family activities, and other events.
• You will spend about 5 or 6 weeks in the hospital. This can make some people feel sad and alone.