There is lots of misinformation floating around about stem cell transplants. The truth is that a stem cell transplant is a procedure used to replace damaged or destroyed cells in the body with healthy ones. It is most commonly used to treat cancers and blood disorders like leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
A stem cell transplant is a procedure in which a person receives healthy stem cells, either from their own body or from a donor. The transplant replaces the unhealthy cells with the new healthy ones, restoring and rebuilding normal tissue, organs, and systems that have been damaged by cancer or other diseases. There are several types of stem cell transplants, including autologous transplants, allogeneic transplants, reduced-intensity transplants and cord blood transplants.
An allogeneic stem cell transplant involves a donor, who needs to be carefully matched with the recipient for best results. The process is more complex and risky than an autologous transplant because there is risk of the donor’s stem rejecting the recipient’s body. This type of transplant may offer benefits in terms of curative potential, it also carries some risks, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and infections. Even with the risks involved, becoming a donor can save people’s lives. Become a donor by signing up on the stem cell registry.
Cord blood transplants are performed using stem cells from the umbilical cord and placenta collected at birth. Since cord blood transplants involve a lower risk of GVHD than an allogeneic transplant, it is often used as a treatment for diseases that have not responded to other treatments. Cord blood transplants also require less complex donor matching, making them easier to find a donor for.
Peripheral blood stem cell transplants use stem cells collected from the bloodstream of a donor after taking growth factor medicines. This type of transplant offers quick access to a large number of healthy stem cells, making it a preferred option in many cases.
Finally, bone marrow transplants are performed using stem cells extracted from the bone marrow of a donor. This type of transplant is typically used for life-threatening diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma, but it has also been used to treat other conditions. Its main advantage is that it does not require any special processing before being used for the transplantation.
Stem cell transplantation is a potentially life-saving treatment for many types of diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, but it can come with some serious risks. Although the procedure has improved significantly in recent years, there is always a risk of infection or even death related to the transplant. The patient must be closely monitored for any complications and will likely need to stay in hospital for at least a few weeks. Careful planning and preparation are essential for the success of the procedure.
