What Is Stem Cell Transplant? Overview, Benefits, and Expected ⁢Results

Stem cell transplant is a procedure in which healthy stem cells replace a patient’s damaged or ‌diseased bone⁤ marrow. ⁣Stem cells are a ​type of undeveloped cell that can develop into any specialized cell in the body, including red blood cells, ​white blood ⁢cells, and platelets. ⁢



This type ⁤of procedure‌ has become increasingly popular over the ⁤past few decades as a ⁢means of addressing genetic diseases, blood conditions, and certain kinds of⁣ cancers. In​ some ‌cases, the stem cells used in the transplantation​ come from an external third-party donor, but in other cases, the patient’s own stem cells can be used.



In this article, we’ll discuss what exactly stem cell ⁣transplant is, the potential benefits of this procedure,⁣ and what kind of results​ one can ‌expect ‌after ⁣a ⁢successful transplant.

What is Stem Cell Transplant?

At its ⁤core, stem cell transplant is a process used to substitute a patient’s damaged or ‍diseased stem⁣ cells with healthy ones. This process often involves‌ transplanting the ​cells from one person to another, known as an allogeneic transplant, or the use of stem cells from a patient’s own body, known as an autologous transplant.



The type of cell and the donor method ‍of the transplant depend on factors such as the disease type and the patient’s health. In some cases, a patient’s cells may be ⁣harvested ‍and conserved before undergoing chemotherapy. This is ⁣called autologous stem cell transplant and it allows the patient to use their own ⁢stem ⁤cells after chemotherapy⁤ treatments have ​been completed.

Benefits of Stem‌ Cell Transplant

Stem cell ⁣transplant is a treatment option that⁤ offers a variety of advantages. Some of the primary​ benefits of this procedure include:

• Can be used to treat a⁤ wide ​range of ⁣genetic ‌diseases, blood disorders, and cancer



• Successful ‍transplants can provide ⁤long-term remission by restoring the normal functioning of the immune system



• Can be an effective alternative to other forms of ⁣cancer​ treatment ‌such ‍as radiation therapy and chemotherapy



• Stem cells can ‌be harvested‌ from a donor, from⁢ cord blood, or from a patient’s own ⁤body for‌ autologous transplants.

Expected Results After a Stem Cell Transplant

The results of⁣ a stem ​cell transplant are directly ⁣related to the procedure’s underlying purpose and the type of cell used. ⁢Generally speaking, successful stem cell transplants can provide‍ significant benefits ⁣in terms of‍ restoring normal functioning in the body.



For example, if the goal of a transplant is to treat⁣ a genetic ‍disorder, then the patient can⁤ expect to experience an improvement in symptoms ‌or a complete reversal ⁣of the disorder.



In the case of cancer, the expected results will depend on the type and stage of⁣ the cancer being treated, and overall patient health. ⁢If successful, the⁢ patient may see a complete remission of the cancer, a partial response, or ⁤even an increased life expectancy.



However, stem cell transplants do⁣ come with risks, ⁣so it’s important that patients understand the potential side effects and long-term complications. Common⁤ side effects of a stem cell transplant can include infection, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea. Additionally, some⁣ patients may experience low blood ⁤counts,⁣ neurologic changes, ⁢organ damage, and other long-term⁤ complications.

Conclusion

Stem cell transplant ⁢is⁣ a ⁢procedure that ⁣involves the replacement of‍ a patient’s damaged or diseased stem cells with⁤ healthy ones. This procedure has become increasingly popular in recent years as a means‌ of treating some ​genetic diseases, blood conditions, and ‌certain kinds of ​cancers.



The benefits of this procedure include an increased‍ remission rate and the ability to treat⁤ a wide range of diseases and ​conditions. However, there can also be serious risks ‌associated with the procedure and‌ it’s important for patients to understand ‌these before undergoing ​a stem cell transplant.⁣



The expected results ‌of a successful transplant depend on the⁤ purpose⁤ of the ‌procedure and⁤ the type of cell used. Generally speaking, if the transplant is ⁢successful, patients can expect to see decreased symptoms or an‌ improved overall quality of life.

Definition & Overview

A stem cell transplant, also called bone marrow transplant, is a medical procedure that infuses healthy stem cells back into the body following a successful cancer treatment.

Cancer patients undergo various treatment methods such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, which are designed to destroy the cancer cells. Unfortunately, these treatments also destroy the bone marrow, a tissue that lies in the long bones and produces new blood cells. The goal of stem cell transplantation is to replenish the body’s healthy cells and in some cases, to kill surviving cancer cells.

The procedure is recommended for patients with multiple myeloma, leukemia, neuroblastoma, some types of lymphoma, and blood-related genetic diseases. It is performed much like a blood transfusion in which the stem cells are injected into the body and travel through the blood until they reach the bone marrow. In the majority of cases, this procedure does not require surgery.

Two types of stem cell transplant

• Autologous – This type uses the patient’s own stem cells, which are “harvested” before high-dose radiation or chemotherapy treatment is initiated. These cells are then infused back into the body following successful treatment. This type is highly advisable as it reduces the risk of serious complications (particularly graft-versus-host disease or GVHD) but patients who have weak or compromised bone marrow even before the cancer treatment has started do not qualify for it.
• Allogeneic – In this type, the stem cells are taken from a donor, which could be the patient’s immediate family member or from various national bone marrow registries. Special tests are conducted to ensure that the donor’s and patient’s gene match to avoid complications. Under allogeneic transplant is umbilical cord blood transplant, in which stem cells are harvested from a newborn baby’s umbilical cord.

Who should undergo and expected results

Stem cell transplant is recommended for patients whose bone marrow has been damaged or does not function properly due to the following:

• High-dose radiation or chemotherapy
• Congenital neutropenia
• Cancers that affect the marrow such as multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia, among others
• Sickle cell anemia
• Thalassemia (a condition that prevents the body from producing enough red blood cells)
• Germ cell tumors
• Some inherited and genetic diseases
• Aplastic anemia
• Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative syndromes

The expected results are the recovery of blood counts to safe levels, treatment of the disease, and helping the patient restore his or her quality of life. However, realizing these goals is affected by several factors such as the patient’s age and overall health condition, the type of bone marrow transplant, the type and dosage of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, if the donor’s cells matches the recipient’s cells, and if there are complications that developed throughout the procedure.

How the procedure works

Several tests and preparation are required before a stem cell transplant is initiated. Aside from a physical exam, various laboratory tests, and a thorough discussion of medical history, the patient is also encouraged to meet with a counselor to discuss the emotional stress that comes with the procedure. The patient’s family and children are encouraged to join the counseling to help them understand the process, its risks and benefits, and expected results.

The procedure is completed in stages, which can take weeks or even months.

• Phase 1 involves the collection of blood stem cells. It begins by surgically placing a transplant catheter into a large vein. The white blood cell growth factor is then injected so the body will be strong enough to fight infection. The stem cell is then collected. This procedure is skipped if the patient will undergo allogeneic stem cell transplant where the needed stem cells are obtained from a donor or taken from a newly born baby’s umbilical cord.
• Phase 2 involves administering cancer treatment such as high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
• Phase 3 involves the actual stem cell transplantation. As mentioned above, this is very much the same as a blood transfusion. The healthy cells are infused into the body using a central line. This procedure is performed while the patient is awake and is painless. The transplanted cells then make their way to the bone marrow and start to create new blood cells, a process that can take a few weeks to complete.
• Phase 4 focuses on ensuring that the patient recovers as expected. To make this happen, certain drugs will be given to suppress the immune system. Growth factors and antibiotics will also be provided. Blood transfusions will then be performed on a regular basis to manage symptoms and prevent possible complications.

Possible risks and complications

Some of the risks and symptoms that patients may develop after a stem cell transplant include:

• Chest pain
• Headache
• Hives
• Fever
• Drop in blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Funny taste in the mouth

Meanwhile, complications include:

• Bleeding in different areas of the body such as brain, intestines, and lungs
• Anemia
• Cataracts
• Blood clotting, particularly in small veins of the liver
• Organ damage, especially the kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs
• Early menopause
• Mild to extremely serious infections
• Inflammation
• Stomach problems

One of the more serious complications is graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), wherein the newly transplanted donor cells attack the recipient’s body. This can potentially damage the digestive tract, liver, lungs, and other vital organs. It also places the patient at a higher risk of developing severe infections. To counter the development of this complication, doctors typically provide medications to suppress the immune system following stem cell transplantation.

References:

• Bashir Q, Champlin R. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, et al., eds. Abeloff’s Clinical Oncology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2013:chap 30.

• Heslop HE. Overview of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Silberstein LE, Heslop HE, Weitz JI, Anastasi JI, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 104.

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