Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit now operational at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai
Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai has reached a significant milestone in advanced cancer care with the commencement of bone marrow transplantation, stem cell therapy and CAR T cell therapy on its own campus. The Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Mar Sleeva Cancer Care and Research Centre became operational on 14 September 2026, bringing advanced transplant and cellular therapies closer to patients in Central Kerala.
This achievement expands Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai's haemato-oncology and cellular therapy capabilities. Patients with leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other blood and bone marrow disorders can now access specialist evaluation, treatment, stem cell transplantation and follow-up within the same healthcare campus, supported by the hospital's wider oncology, critical care, diagnostic and supportive-care infrastructure.
Four HEPA-filtered transplant suites
The new Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai features four dedicated HEPA-filtered transplant suites designed to provide the controlled environment required for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation.
Each transplant suite is a positive-pressure room, helping prevent unfiltered air from entering the patient's environment. HEPA filtration removes at least 99.97% of airborne particles of the relevant test-particle size, while controlled access, continuous environmental monitoring and infection-control practices support the specialised requirements of transplant care.
The transplant suites are supported by dedicated medical and nursing teams trained in the care of patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. The controlled environment and close clinical monitoring are designed to support patients through conditioning, transplantation, recovery and the period of increased vulnerability to infection.
Stem cell cryopreservation on campus
The transplant programme at Mar Sleeva is supported by on-site stem cell cryopreservation facilities. Controlled-rate freezing enables harvested stem cells and cellular products to be preserved under carefully regulated conditions until they are required for transplantation.
A dedicated biorepository, continuous temperature monitoring and alarm systems support controlled storage of cryopreserved cellular products. Having stem cell processing and cryopreservation capabilities within the centre allows collection, processing, preservation and transplantation to be coordinated as part of an integrated cellular therapy programme.
A major milestone for cancer care in Central Kerala
With the Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit now operational, Mar Sleeva Cancer Care and Research Centre brings together bone marrow transplantation, stem cell therapy and CAR T cell therapy alongside medical, surgical and radiation oncology, haemato-oncology, paediatric oncology, nuclear medicine and cancer research across a one-lakh-square-foot cancer-care facility.
For Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai, the addition of bone marrow transplantation and advanced cellular therapies strengthens the hospital's integrated cancer-care pathway. Patients can have diagnosis, chemotherapy, transplant or cellular therapy, specialised supportive care and follow-up coordinated within one healthcare campus.
For patients and families in Central Kerala, this milestone brings access to complex transplant and cellular therapies closer to home, supported by the multidisciplinary expertise and infrastructure of Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai.
What is a bone marrow transplant?
A bone marrow transplant, also called a stem cell transplant or haematopoietic stem cell transplant, replaces damaged or diseased blood-forming stem cells with healthy stem cells from the patient or a suitable donor. It may be used in selected patients with conditions such as leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other blood or bone marrow disorders.
Before transplantation, patients may receive conditioning treatment to prepare the body for the stem cell infusion. Because treatment can temporarily suppress the immune system, patients may be particularly vulnerable to infections. Specialised transplant facilities, strict infection-control measures, close monitoring and dedicated clinical care are therefore important components of a bone marrow transplant programme.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai become operational?
The Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Mar Sleeva Cancer Care and Research Centre became operational on 14 September 2026. The launch marks an important expansion of advanced haemato-oncology, stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy services at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai.
How many bone marrow transplant suites does Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai have?
The Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai has four dedicated HEPA-filtered transplant suites. Each suite is designed with positive-pressure ventilation, controlled access and environmental monitoring to support the specialised infection-control requirements of transplant care.
Why are HEPA-filtered rooms used for bone marrow transplantation?
Patients undergoing stem cell transplantation can have significantly reduced immune function during treatment, making them more vulnerable to infections. HEPA filtration helps reduce airborne particulate contamination, while positive pressure helps prevent unfiltered air from entering the transplant room.
Does Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai have stem cell cryopreservation facilities?
Yes. The transplant programme at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai includes on-site stem cell cryopreservation facilities with controlled-rate freezing, a dedicated biorepository, continuous temperature monitoring and alarm systems to support the controlled preservation of cellular products.
Does Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai offer CAR T cell therapy?
Yes. Mar Sleeva Cancer Care and Research Centre has a dedicated CAR T cell therapy unit as part of its advanced cellular therapy services. CAR T cell therapy uses a patient's T cells that have been genetically modified to recognise and attack specific cancer cells and may be considered for selected patients with certain blood cancers.
Which diseases can be treated with a bone marrow transplant?
Stem cell transplantation may be used in selected patients with blood and bone marrow disorders including leukaemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, as well as certain other conditions. The haemato-oncology and transplant team assesses each patient individually to determine whether transplantation is appropriate.
What is the difference between a bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant?
Bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant are commonly used terms for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The transplanted blood-forming stem cells may be collected from bone marrow, peripheral blood or, in some situations, other sources. The appropriate source depends on the patient's condition and the transplant plan.
How does Mar Sleeva's Bone Marrow Transplant Unit support patients?
The Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai combines four HEPA-filtered positive-pressure transplant suites with dedicated clinical teams, environmental monitoring and on-site stem cell cryopreservation facilities. The unit is integrated with the hospital's wider haemato-oncology, oncology, critical care, diagnostic and supportive-care services.
How do I book a haemato-oncology consultation at Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai?
Appointments can be booked through marsleevamedicity.com, through the hospital mobile app, or by calling 04822 359 900, 354 900 or 269 700.
