Stem Cell Transplantation for Cancer Treatment | CTCA

Stem cell transplantation

Our Hematology Oncology Department provides advanced medical therapies for patients with various types and stages of hematologic disease, including leukemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphomaand Hodgkin lymphoma. Some hematologic cancer patients undergo a hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (commonly referred to as a stem cell transplant).

A stem cell transplant can be used to infuse healthy stem cells into the body to stimulate new bone marrow growth, suppress the disease, and reduce the possibility of a relapse.

Stem cells can be found in the bone marrow, circulating blood (peripheral blood stem cells), and umbilical cord blood.

Our doctors perform two main types of stem cell transplants:

Before a stem cell transplant, you'll undergo a conditioning regime, which involves intensive treatment to destroy as many cancer cells as possible. You may receive high doses of chemotherapy and, in some cases, radiation therapy. Once this preparative regime is complete, you're ready to undergo the transplant.

Much like a blood transfusion, youll receive the stem cells intravenously. The procedure takes about an hour. After entering the bloodstream, the stem cells travel to the bone marrow and start to make new blood cells in a process known as engraftment.

In the months following the transplant, your care team will monitor your blood counts. You may need transfusions of red blood cells and platelets. Sometimes, the intensive treatments you receive before the stem cell transplantation can cause side effects, like infection. In this case, your doctor may administer IV antibiotics.

If you had an allogeneic stem cell transplant, your doctor may prescribe certain drugs to reduce the risk of graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), a condition where the donated cells attack the patient's tissues.

Recovery from a stem cell transplant can take several months. Youll need support from multiple areas to help reduce side effects, keep you strong and improve your quality of life.

Our hematology oncology team will collaborate with the rest of your care team to support you throughout the entire treatment process. The following are examples of how the other members of your care team will work together to meet your individual needs:

Throughout your treatment, your care manager will also be available to make sure your questions are answered, and ensure you and your family have the information and resources you need to make informed decisions.

Stem cells are parent cells which can develop into any of the three main types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

A peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT) uses stem cells extracted from the peripheral (circulating) blood supply.

A bone marrow transplant (BMT) uses stem cells collected from the bone marrow.

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Stem Cell Transplantation for Cancer Treatment | CTCA