A stem cell transplant is a treatment option for some people who have a blood cancer or blood condition.
A stem cell transplant may also be called a bone marrow transplant, a haematopoietic stem cell transplant or a peripheral blood stem cell transplant.
A stem cell transplant will only be offered if your doctor feels that it will be of benefit to you. You will be able to discuss with your doctor if a transplant is a suitable treatment option. It will depend on a number of factors.
The two main types of stem cell transplant are:
- Allogeneic stem cell transplant (also known as an allo transplant)
- Autologous stem cell transplant(also known as an auto transplant).
Autologous stem cell transplant
An autologous stem cell transplant involves collecting your own stem cells which are stored and then given back to you as an intravenous (IV) infusion after you have been given high doses of chemotherapy.
This provides some people with a better chance of cure or longer term control of their blood cancer or blood condition.
Stem cells are collected in a process called mobilisation or harvest where drugs are given to you to increase the number of stem cells in your bone marrow and move them from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. The term ‘harvest’ refers to the process of the stem cell collection. A line is put into a vein in your arm and blood is slowly taken out and put through a machine which separates the stem cells from the rest of your blood. The blood is then returned to you through a line in your other arm. The stem cells that are collected are then frozen until you are ready to have your high dose treatment and stem cell return. This process takes a few hours and can happen over a couple of days until they get enough stem cells. It is painless and you will need to be still during the collection as both arms will be connected to IV lines.
Stem cell transplants have a variety of side effects which your health care team will explain in detail in your initial appointments.
For more information and a flow chart on autologous stem cell transplants, download our fact sheet here
The fact sheet includes a diagram about the stem cell transplant process and more information about the preparation and recovery involved with having an autologous stem cell transplant.
Allogeneic stem cell transplant
An allogeneic stem cell transplant involves the use of high doses of chemotherapy, and sometimes radiotherapy, to try and kill all the cancer cells. This treatment also kills the stem cells in the bone marrow, resulting in the bone marrow becoming empty of blood stem cells in preparation for the healthy transplanted stem cells.
Healthy blood stem cells, that are donated from another person, are given to replace those that were destroyed. These new stem cells are infused through an intravenous (IV) drip. The goal is that the new stem cells will travel to the bone marrow, where they will begin to grow and make healthy blood cells.
A donor search will be conducted by your transplant team. This may be a related donor or unrelated donor. The donor’s stem cells must adequately match the genetic makeup of your own cells. Specialised blood tests (called tissue typing) are done to work out if the donor’s cells match yours.
An allogeneic stem cell transplant is a complex procedure that carries significant risks, so every person is reviewed by a team of health care professionals to ensure it is the best treatment option.
Stem cell transplants have a variety of side effects which your health care team will explain in detail in your initial appointments.
For more information on allogeneic stem cell transplants see our fact sheet here
The fact sheet includes a diagram about the stem cell transplant process, frequently asked questions and more information about the preparation and recovery involved with having an allogeneic stem cell transplant.
