Autologous stem-cell transplantation

Autologous stem-cell transplantation is a medical procedure in which a patient's own stem cells are collected, stored, and then re-infused back into the patient's body. This procedure is typically used to treat certain types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma and lymphoma. The collected stem cells are frozen and stored until they are needed for the transplant. Before the transplant, the patient will undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy the cancer cells. Once the cancer cells are destroyed, the patient's stored stem cells are thawed and re-infused back into the patient's body. The stem cells will then begin to rebuild the patient's blood and immune system.