Aplastic Anemia Treatment

Aplastic anemia is a blood disorder that affects the bone marrow. Bone marrow is a sponge-like material found in the center of many bones. It contains the stem cells that become blood cells. 

In aplastic anemia, the stem cells in the bone marrow do not make enough new blood cells. Most often, all 3 types of blood cells are affected (called pancytopenia):

• Red blood cells that carry oxygen
• White blood cells that fight infections
• Platelets that help the blood to clot and stop bleeding

In most cases, aplastic anemia occurs in previously healthy children without a clearly identified trigger. It may also occur after certain viral infections. It is not inherited from parents. While in some cases aplastic anemia is linked to cancer or cancer treatments it is not a type of cancer.

Complications of aplastic anemia include serious infections, bleeding, and heart problems. If untreated, this disorder can be life threatening.

Learn more about aplastic anemia on the Together by St. Jude™ online resource.

Treatment of aplastic anemia

Aplastic anemia clinical trials

Aplastic anemia care at St. Jude

• St. Jude scientists and doctors work together to learn more about bone marrow failure and blood disorders. These findings can lead to new and better treatments.
• St. Jude also develops collaborative research partnerships with the NIH and other institutions throughout the world.
  
• The St. Jude Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy program provides state-of-the-art approaches to provide the best treatments and reduce side effects for pediatric patients. Doctors in the Transplant Program work closely with scientists to rapidly move discoveries from the lab to the clinic.