Watch for ethics as bone marrow care option looms

Reports that oncologists see a near future in which bone marrow transplants become part of the treatment protocol for patients of cancer and other non-communicable and incurable disease in Uganda are uplifting.

A decade or so ago, we were suitably impressed when Mulago National Referral Hospital announced successful open heart surgery carried out in relatively primitive facilities. Life-saving heart surgery continues to be done there today.

Now, the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) — which has been treating thousands of Ugandans even as we see a rise in cancer incidence and mortality — envisages the availability of bone marrow transplantation within three years. A landmark, albeit very expensive, alternative, which should come with caution.

Sometimes referred to as stem cell transplantation, its success has not been without complex risks and challenging medical procedures.