Yes, it is possible to get leukemia after a bone marrow transplant for aplastic anemia. Leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that is caused by a mutation in the DNA of white blood cells. This mutation leads to the uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells, which can crowd out normal blood cells and interfere with the body’s ability to produce healthy red blood cells, platelets, and other components of the blood.
When a bone marrow transplant is performed to treat aplastic anemia, the patient is given healthy, donated marrow cells, which replace the cells in their own bone marrow that are not functioning properly. While this treatment can be successful in restoring normal blood cell production, there is a risk that these donated cells may also carry the mutation that causes leukemia. This risk is higher in certain types of bone marrow transplants, such as those using mismatched donors, and is estimated to occur in about 5-10% of patients.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risk of developing leukemia after a bone marrow transplant for aplastic anemia. Patients can be screened for the mutation that causes leukemia prior to the transplant, and if it is detected, the patient’s doctor can take steps to reduce the risk of this unwanted side effect. In addition, patients can be monitored for signs of leukemia after the transplant, and if it is detected early, treatments can be initiated to manage the disease.
Overall, it is possible to get leukemia after a bone marrow transplant for aplastic anemia, but with proper screening and monitoring, the risk can be reduced.