Cancer treatment
Stem Cell Transplant
A stem cell transplant replaces damaged blood-forming cells with healthy ones, often after intensive treatment for blood cancers.
Quick answer
Stem Cell Transplant: what it is, why it's done and what happens
A stem cell (or bone marrow) transplant gives healthy blood-forming stem cells, either your own collected earlier (autologous) or from a donor (allogeneic), to rebuild the bone marrow after high-dose treatment.
- Why it is done: It is used for some blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and certain other blood or immune disorders, allowing high-dose chemotherapy and giving healthy new marrow.
- What happens: After intensive chemotherapy (and sometimes radiotherapy) to clear the marrow, the stem cells are given through a drip like a blood transfusion.
What it is
A stem cell (or bone marrow) transplant gives healthy blood-forming stem cells, either your own collected earlier (autologous) or from a donor (allogeneic), to rebuild the bone marrow after high-dose treatment.
Why it is done
It is used for some blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and certain other blood or immune disorders, allowing high-dose chemotherapy and giving healthy new marrow.
What happens
After intensive chemotherapy (and sometimes radiotherapy) to clear the marrow, the stem cells are given through a drip like a blood transfusion. They travel to the marrow and begin making new blood cells.
Recovery
A prolonged hospital stay and careful protection from infection are needed while new blood cells grow (engraftment) over weeks. Full immune recovery takes months, with close monitoring throughout.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include serious infection, bleeding, and, with donor transplants, graft-versus-host disease where donor cells attack the body. It is intensive treatment with significant risks, done in specialist centres.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Stem Cell Transplant: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an autologous and a donor transplant?
An autologous transplant uses your own stem cells collected beforehand, while an allogeneic (donor) transplant uses cells from a matched donor. Donor transplants carry extra risks such as graft-versus-host disease.
Why is infection such a concern after a transplant?
Intensive treatment temporarily wipes out the immune system until the new stem cells rebuild it, leaving you very vulnerable to infection. Protective measures and monitoring are vital during this period.
Related
Other cancer treatment
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — cancer treatment guidance
- Relevant Royal College / professional body
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