What we’ll cover here?
This topic reviews bone marrow transplants and different types of stem cell transplants that are used to treat cancer. We will outline what a transplant is like for most people, and some of the issues that come with it. We will also briefly cover what it’s like to donate stem cells.
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What are stem cells and why are they transplanted? -
When do people need stem cell transplants? -
Types of stem cell transplants for treating cancer. -
Autologous stem cell transplant- Getting rid of cancer cells in autologous transplants‘
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Allogeneic bone marrow transplant- Non-myeloablative or mini-transplants (allogeneic)
- Syngeneic stem cell transplant
- The importance of a matched donor
- HLA matching
- Finding a match
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Sources of stem cells for transplant
- Which stem cell source is best?
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Allogeneic transplant
- The importance of a matched donor
- HLA matching
- Finding a match
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If you want to donate stem cells
- Informed consent and further testing:
- Before the donation
- How bone marrow stem cells are collected
- How peripheral blood stem cells are collected
- How umbilical cord blood is collected
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The transplant process
- Patient evaluation and preparation
- Hospital admission
- Conditioning treatment
- Infusion of stem cells
- Recovery
- Discharge
- Rehabilitation
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Problems that may come up shortly after transplant
- Infection
- Bleeding and transfusions
- Interstitial pneumonitis and other lung problems
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Graft-versus-host disease
- Acute GVHD
- Chronic GVHD
- Hepatic veno-occlusive disease
- Graft failure
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After-transplant problems that may show up later
- Organ problems
- Cancer relapse
- Secondary (new) cancers
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Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder
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Know more about bone marrow transplant
- Stem cell transplant and having children
- Weigh the risks before transplant
- Other issues related to transplants
- Cost of transplant
- Saving your newborn’s umbilical cord blood for later
- What questions should I ask my doctor before transplant?
bone marrow transplants