An overview of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
An allogeneic stem cell transplant is a medical procedure that involves using healthy blood stem cells from a donor to replace bone marrow that is not producing enough healthy blood cells. This type of transplant is also called an allogeneic bone marrow transplant. The blood stem cells used in the transplant can be collected from the donor's blood, bone marrow within their hipbone, or the blood of a donated umbilical cord. An allogeneic stem cell transplant may be an option for people with a variety of cancerous and noncancerous diseases, including acute leukemia, Adrenoleukodystrophy, aplastic anemia, bone marrow failure syndromes, chronic leukemia, Hemoglobinopathies, Hodgkin's lymphoma, Immune deficiencies, Inborn errors of metabolism, Multiple myeloma, Myelodysplastic syndromes, Neuroblastoma, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Plasma cell disorders, POEMS syndrome, Primary amyloidosis.
What is Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant used for?
An allogeneic stem cell transplant is a medical procedure that replaces a patient's bone marrow with healthy blood stem cells from a donor. This type of transplant is used to treat various cancerous and noncancerous diseases, such as acute leukemia, Adrenoleukodystrophy, aplastic anemia, bone marrow failure syndromes, chronic leukemia, hemoglobinopathies, Hodgkin's lymphoma, immune deficiencies, inborn errors of metabolism, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, neuroblastoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, plasma cell disorders, POEMS syndrome, and primary amyloidosis. Before the transplant, the patient receives high doses of chemotherapy or radiation to destroy their diseased cells and prepare their body for the donor cells.
How to prepare for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant?
Before undergoing an allogeneic stem cell transplant, there are several patient preparations needed. These include undergoing a conditioning process to prepare the body for the donor cells. The conditioning process involves receiving high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy to kill the patient's cancer cells and weaken their immune system. Specific instructions for preparation will be provided by the healthcare team, which may include regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, continuing prescribed medications, and discussing any concerns or side effects with the healthcare team.
How is Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant conducted?
An allogeneic stem cell transplant involves collecting healthy blood stem cells from a donor and using them to replace bone marrow that is not producing enough healthy blood cells in the recipient. The donor may be a family member, an acquaintance, or someone unrelated to the recipient. The blood stem cells can be collected from the donor's blood, bone marrow within the donor's hipbone, or the blood of a donated umbilical cord. Before the transplant, the recipient receives high doses of chemotherapy or radiation to destroy their diseased cells and prepare their body for the donor cells. During the transplant process, the recipient receives an infusion of stem cells from the donor and remains under close medical care to monitor for any complications. The donor cells settle in the recipient's bone marrow and begin producing new blood cells. The recipient may receive blood transfusions until their bone marrow recovers.