Stem cell transplantation

Stem Cell Transplantation

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Stem cell transplantation (SCT), also known as bone marrow transplantation, is a medical procedure in the fields of hematology and oncology, most often performed for patients with certain cancers of the blood or bone marrow, such as multiple myeloma or leukemia. In stem cell transplantation, healthy stem cells are transferred to a patient after the patient's own unhealthy bone marrow has been treated to kill the abnormal cells.

Types of Stem Cell Transplants

The main types of stem cell transplants are based on the source of the replacement stem cells: autologous, allogeneic, and syngeneic.

• Autologous stem cell transplantation involves the patient receiving their own stem cells. The cells are harvested before the main treatment that destroys the diseased cells, stored, and then returned to the same patient after treatment.
• Allogeneic stem cell transplantation involves the transfer of stem cells from a genetically compatible donor, usually a sibling but sometimes a matched unrelated donor (MUD).
• Syngeneic stem cell transplantation is a rare type of transplant that occurs between identical twins.

Indications

Stem cell transplantation is used to treat several diseases including:

• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Some solid tumor cancers
• Aplastic anemia
• Certain genetic diseases and autoimmune diseases

Procedure

1. 1. 1. Preparation

Before the transplantation, the patient receives a conditioning regimen, which might involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both, to destroy the diseased bone marrow cells.

1. 1. 1. Transplantation

After conditioning, the stem cells are infused into the patient's bloodstream where they migrate to the bone marrow and begin to produce new blood cells.

1. 1. 1. Post-Transplantation

After the transplant, patients remain under close medical observation to manage any side effects from the treatment and to prevent complications such as infections and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

Risks and Complications

Complications of stem cell transplantation can include:

• Infections due to the weakened immune system
• Graft-versus-host disease in allogeneic transplants
• Organ damage
• Infertility
• Secondary cancers

Outcomes

The success of stem cell transplantation depends on several factors including the type of disease being treated, the age and general health of the patient, and the match between donor and recipient.

See also

• Hematopoietic stem cell
• Transplant rejection
• Immunosuppression