A stem cell transplant - also called a blood or marrow transplant - is the infusion of healthy stem cells into your body to replace damaged or diseased stem cells.
A stem cell transplant may be necessary if your bone marrow stops working and doesn't produce enough healthy stem cells.
This procedure also may be performed if high-dose chemotherapy is given in the treatment of blood disorders such as multiple myeloma.
A stem cell transplant can help your body make enough healthy white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets, and reduce your risk of life-threatening infections, anaemia and bleeding.
Although the procedure to eplenish your body's supply of healthy blood-forming cells us generally called a stem cell transplant, it is also known as a bone marrow transplant, peripheral blood stem cell transplant or an umbilical cord blood transplant, depending of the source of the stem cells.
Stem cell transplants can use cells from your own body (autologous stem cell transplant), from a donor (allogeneic stem cell transplant) or from an identical twin (syngeneic transplant).
Why it is done
Stem cell transplants are used to treat people whose stem cells have been damaged by disease or the treatment of a disease, or as a way to have the donor's immune system fight a blood disorder such as leukemia.
Stem cell transplants can benefit people with a variety of both cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (non-malignant) diseases.
A stem cell transplant may help treat blood disorders by:
- Killing cancer cells. In a stem cell transplant procedure, you'll first be given powerful drugs (chemotherapy) to kill the cancer cells.
- Helping you recover faster from high doses of chemotherapy. The healthy cells infused in a stem cell transplant may allow you to recover faster from chemotherapy, as these cells haven't been exposed to their treatment.
A stem cell transplant poses many risks of complications, some potentially fatal.
Your risk of complications depends on the reason for your transplant, your type of transplant, your age and your overall health. Although some people experience few problems with a transplant, others may develop complications that may require treatment and hospitalisation. Some complications could even be life-threatening.
Complications that can arise with a stem cell transplant include:
- Stem cell (graft) failure
- Organ injury
- Infections
- Cataracts
- Infertility
- New cancers
- Death
Pre-transplant tests and procedures
You'll undergo a series of tests and procedures to assess your health and the status of your condition, and to ensure that you're physically prepared for the transplant.
In addition, a surgeon will implant a long thin tube (intravenous catheter) in your chest near your neck.
The catheter, often called a central line, usually remains in place for the duration of your treatment. Your doctors will use the central line to infuse the transplanted stem cells and other medications and blood products into your body.
The conditioning process
After you complete your pre-transplant tests and procedures, you begin a process known as conditioning. During conditioning, your undergo chemotherapy to:
- Destroy cancer cells
- Suppress your immune system so that your body doesn't reject the transplanted stem cells
Side effects of the conditioning process can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores and ulcers
- Infections, such as pneumonia
- Bleeding
- Infertility
- Anaemia
- Fatigue
- Cataracts
- Organ complications, such as heart, liver or lung failure
- New cancers
What you can expect
During you stem cell transplant
Stem cell transplantation involves infusing stem cells through your central line into your body after completion of several days of chemotherapy. The infusion usually takes one to five hours, and you will be awake during the procedure.
The transplanted stem cells make their way to your bone marrow, where they begin creating new blood cells. It can take a few weeks for a new blood cells to be produced and for your blood counts to begin to recover.
Bone marrow or blood stem cells that have been frozen and thawed contain a preservative that protects the cells. Just before the transplant, you may receive medications to reduce the side effects the preservatives may cause.
You will also be given IV fluids (hydration) before and after your transplant to help rid your body of the preservative. Side effects of the preservative may include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Chills
- Hives
- Red urine
After your stem cell transplant
In the days and weeks after your stem cell transplant, you'll have blood tests and other tests to monitor your condition. You may need medicine to manage complications, such as nausea and diarrhoea.
After stem cell transplant, you'll need to remain under close medical care. If you're experiencing infections or other complications, you will need to remain in hospital longer.
Depending on the type of transplant and the risk of complications, you'll need to remain nearby for several weeks to months to allow close monitoring.
You may also need periodic transfusions of red blood cells and platelets until your bone marrow begins producing enough of those cells on their own.
You may be at greater risk of infections or other complications for months to years after your transplant.
Results
A stem cell transplant can cure some diseases and put others into remission.
Goals of a stem cell transplant depend on your individual situation but usually include controlling or curing your blood disorder, extending your life, and improving your quality of life.
Some people complete stem cell transplantation with few side effects and complications. Other experience numerous challenging problems, both short and long term.
The severity of side effects and the success of the transplant vary from person to person and sometimes can be difficult to predict before the transplant.
It can be discouraging if significant challenges arise during the transplant process. However, it is sometimes helpful to remember that there are many survivors who also experienced some very difficult days during the transplant process but ultimately had successful transplants and have returned to normal activities with a good quality of life.
- Mayo Clinic
1 comment:
Hello dear VIv
I have only recently heard about your challenge. I am thinking about you and your family constantly. I have read this entire blog which is so well written. I hope the good days outnumber the not so good during this treatment. One hour at a time, let alone day at a time!
lots of love Stephanie
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