Bone marrow is the soft tissue found in the center of certain bones. It plays a vital role in producing stem cells, which develop into different types of blood cells and immune cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Each of these cells serves an essential function, from carrying oxygen throughout the body and fighting infections to helping blood clot properly.
In children with leukemia, the bone marrow can no longer function normally, resulting in impaired production of healthy blood cells. Instead, it produces abnormal white blood cells that interfere with the formation of normal blood cells. In certain cases of childhood leukemia—particularly high-risk or relapsed leukemia—a bone marrow transplant may be recommended to replace the damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
One of the recommended doctors for bone marrow transplantation in children with leukemia in Indonesia is dr. Ludi Dhyani Rahmartani, Sp.A, Subsp. H.Onk (K), a pediatric hematology-oncology consultant at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. Dr. Ludi specializes in diagnosing and treating various pediatric blood cancers, including leukemia, and is experienced in evaluating and managing children who require bone marrow transplantation as part of their comprehensive treatment plan.
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How Does a Bone Marrow Transplant Help Treat Leukemia?
In some types of leukemia, the bone marrow becomes damaged and can no longer produce healthy blood cells. This condition may also occur as a side effect of intensive cancer treatments, such as high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
When the bone marrow fails to produce enough healthy blood cells to meet the body’s needs, the condition is known as bone marrow failure. As a result, patients may experience several complications, including:
- Fatigue caused by a low red blood cell count (anemia).
- Increased susceptibility to infections due to a reduced number of healthy white blood cells.
- Easy bruising or bleeding because of low platelet levels.
- Other complications related to decreased blood cell counts.
When bone marrow failure occurs, a bone marrow transplant may be considered as one of the available treatment options.
How Is a Bone Marrow Transplant Performed?
During a bone marrow transplant, healthy stem cells are infused into the patient’s bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. These stem cells then travel to the bone marrow, where they begin producing new, healthy blood cells. By restoring normal bone marrow function, the body can once again produce the blood cells it needs. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may also help eliminate any remaining leukemia cells.
The primary goal of a bone marrow transplant is to achieve complete remission, meaning there are no longer any signs or symptoms of leukemia following treatment.
In general, there are two main types of bone marrow transplants used to treat leukemia:
- Autologous bone marrow transplant, which uses the patient’s own stem cells that were collected and stored before treatment.
- Allogeneic bone marrow transplant, which uses healthy stem cells donated by a compatible donor whose tissue type closely matches the patient.
Meet dr. Ludi, a Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Consultant Who Performs Bone Marrow Transplantation for Childhood Leukemia
dr. Ludi Dhyani Rahmartani, Sp.A, Subsp. H.Onk (K) is a pediatrician with subspecialty training in pediatric hematology-oncology. She specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of blood disorders and childhood cancers, including leukemia that may require bone marrow transplantation.
Dr. Ludi earned her medical degree from the University of Indonesia in 2002. She then completed her residency in Pediatrics at the same university in 2015. To further develop her expertise, she pursued subspecialty training in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at the University of Indonesia, graduating in 2021.
In her clinical practice, Dr. Ludi manages a variety of pediatric hematologic and oncologic conditions, including:
- Thalassemia and other blood disorders in children.
- Leukemia and other pediatric blood cancers.
- Brain tumors in children.
- Childhood cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
- Bone marrow transplantation.
Dr. Ludi’s Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Dr. Ludi Dhyani Rahmartani, Sp.A, Subsp. H.Onk (K) is available for consultation at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on the following schedule:
- Thursday: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (WIB)
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Leukemia
The signs and symptoms of leukemia can vary from one child to another. In most cases, they occur because leukemia cells crowd out the bone marrow, preventing it from producing enough healthy blood cells. As a result, children may develop symptoms that can also be caused by other medical conditions. Therefore, if your child experiences any of the following symptoms persistently, it is important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Common signs and symptoms of childhood leukemia include:
- Fatigue, weakness, or pale skin caused by a low red blood cell count (anemia).
- Frequent fever or infections due to a reduced number of healthy white blood cells.
- Easy bruising or bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums, caused by low platelet levels.
- Bone or joint pain without an obvious cause.
- Swelling or enlargement of the abdomen due to an enlarged liver or spleen.
- Swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, armpits, above the collarbone, or groin.
- Unexplained weight loss accompanied by a poor appetite.
- Persistent cough or shortness of breath.
It is important to remember that these symptoms do not always indicate leukemia, as they may be caused by other medical conditions. However, if the symptoms persist, recur frequently, or worsen over time, your child should be evaluated by a pediatric hematology-oncology consultant as early as possible to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Schedule an Appointment at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri more convenient, you can contact us via WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment, or download the Care Dokter app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The app allows you to book appointments, monitor your queue number, and access other useful hospital services.
The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and general guidance only. It does not represent the full scope of medical services offered by each physician. To receive the most appropriate treatment based on your medical condition, please consult the relevant specialist directly.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our Call Center at +62 811-1900-2000.
References
- Healthline. Bone Marrow Transplants for Leukemia: Types, Process, and Success Rates. (https://www.healthline.com/health/leukemia/leukemia-bone-marrow-transplant). Last updated May 20, 2022. Accessed August 6, 2026.
- American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Leukemia. (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/leukemia-in-children/detection-diagnosis-staging.html). Last updated February 12, 2025. Accessed August 6, 2026.