Autologous stem cell transplantation

Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

Autologous stem cell transplantation is a medical procedure that revolves around the extraction, preservation, and subsequent reinfusion of stem cells into the same individual from whom they were originally sourced. Stem cells are foundational cells, capable of differentiating into various specialized cells of the same type. The majority of these transplants involve hematopoietic stem cells (which give rise to all blood cell types). However, advancements in the field have also seen cardiac cells utilized effectively in mending heart damage resultant from heart attacks. The primary characteristic of autologous stem cell transplantation is that the donor and recipient are the same individual. This distinguishes it from allogenic transplants, where stem cells are procured from a different donor. Because autologous transplants employ the patient's own cells, the risk of graft-versus-host disease, a common complication in allogenic transplants, is significantly reduced.

Procedure

The general procedure for autologous stem cell transplantation entails:

1. Harvesting: The stem cells are extracted from the patient. Depending on the type of stem cells needed, they can be gathered from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or other tissue.
2. Processing and Storage: Once extracted, the cells are treated, if required, to eradicate any lurking disease-causing agents. They are then cryopreserved (frozen) for future use.
3. Reinfusion: When the patient is prepared, the preserved stem cells are thawed and reintroduced into the patient's bloodstream or tissue.

Applications

While the most frequent application of this procedure is in the realm of hematopoietic stem cells, particularly for the treatment of certain cancers like leukemia or lymphoma, innovative uses are constantly being researched. A significant breakthrough was the successful employment of cardiac cells to rectify damage from heart attacks, pointing to the immense potential and versatility of stem cell therapies.

External Links

• Autologous stem cell transplantation entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
• ScienceDaily Report University of Louisville. "Two years out, patients receiving stem cell therapy show sustained heart function improvement, study suggests." ScienceDaily, 6 Nov. 2012. Accessed on 6 Nov. 2012.