Transfusion-Associated Graft-Versus-Host Disease (TA-GvHD) is a complication of blood transfusion caused by lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) present in the transfused blood. TA-GvHD occurs when the donor lymphocytes attack the recipient’s body. Although it is rare, TA-GvHD can cause severe illness or even death. To prevent this, Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital offers irradiated blood transfusion services for blood cancer patients who require blood transfusions.
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Understanding Irradiated Blood Transfusion for Blood Cancer Patients at Mandaya Puri Hospital
TA-GvHD is an extremely rare complication, occurring in fewer than 1 in 1 million cases. However, the fatality rate of this condition is over 90%, making irradiated blood transfusion a crucial preventive measure.
“Irradiated blood” refers to blood that has been treated with radiation, such as X-rays or other radioactive methods, to prevent TA-GvHD. This procedure stops the donor white blood cells from multiplying and triggering an immune response in vulnerable patients.
Patients at higher risk for TA-GvHD include:
- Blood transfusions between family members, matched tissue donors, or granulocyte (a type of white blood cell) donors
- Patients with congenital immune system disorders
- Patients with Hodgkin’s disease
- Patients with weakened immune systems due to certain medications or bone marrow/stem cell transplants
- Unborn babies or infants undergoing exchange transfusions
Is Irradiated Blood Transfusion Routinely Necessary?
The need for irradiated blood transfusion depends on the type of transfusion. Red blood cell and platelet transfusions are not routinely irradiated. Doctors will recommend irradiation only when the patient is at risk of developing TA-GvHD.
On the other hand, transfusions involving granulocytes or matched tissue donors must be routinely irradiated. Fresh frozen plasma and plasma-derived products such as anti-D, albumin, and immunoglobulins do not require irradiation since they do not contain lymphocytes or cause TA-GvHD.
Does Irradiated Blood Transfusion Damage the Blood?
Some blood cancer patients may worry that irradiated blood transfusion could damage the blood due to the use of radioactive elements like X-rays. However, there is no need for concern—irradiating blood does not make it radioactive. The procedure poses no risk to patients or those around them.
Overall, irradiated blood transfusion does not cause significant harm to the blood.
What If Irradiated Blood Is Unavailable in Emergency Situations?
In emergency cases where a blood cancer patient urgently requires a transfusion, there may not be enough time to obtain irradiated blood. If this occurs, doctors will proceed with a regular blood transfusion as quickly as possible, even if the blood has not been irradiated.
It is important to note that the risk of TA-GvHD is extremely low. In emergencies, doctors will assess all risks before making a decision.
Complete Blood Cancer Services at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
The Blood Cancer Center at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital offers comprehensive facilities and services for blood cancer patients. In addition to irradiated blood transfusion, the center provides:
- Immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy using Elekta Versa HD Linac (a best-in-class radiotherapy device)
- Targeted therapy
- Bone marrow transplantation
- CAR T-Cell Therapy
- Blood transfusion
- Apheresis
Experienced Hematologic Oncology Specialists at Mandaya Puri
1. Prof. DR. Aru W. Sudoyo, Sp.PD-KHOM, FINASIM, FACP
Prof. Dr. Aru W. Sudoyo is a consultant in internal medicine and medical hematology-oncology (KHOM) with expertise in various cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and CAR T-Cell Therapy.
Available at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on:
- Wednesday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
2. dr. Toman T.J. Lumban Toruan, Sp.PD-KHOM
dr. Toman T.J. Lumban Toruan is a KHOM specialist skilled in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and CAR T-Cell Therapy.
He is also proficient in performing apheresis, including plasmapheresis and leukapheresis, for treating blood cancers like leukemia and multiple myeloma.
Available at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on:
- Wednesday: 18.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Saturday: 10.00 – 12.00 WIB
3. dr. Alvin Tagor Harahap, Sp.PD-KHOM
dr. Alvin Tagor Harahap is a KHOM specialist experienced in cancer management through chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and CAR T-Cell Therapy. Like Dr. Toman, he is also capable of performing apheresis procedures for blood cancer patients.
Available at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on:
- Tuesday: 12.00 – 15.00 WIB
- Thursday: 12.00 – 15.00 WIB
If you wish to consult or undergo an irradiated blood transfusion procedure, don’t hesitate to visit Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital.
For a more convenient visit, use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter app, available for download on Google Play and the App Store, to check queue numbers and get complete service information.
