What Are Stem Cells?
All stem cells begin life in the same way.
Then, they mature into different types of blood cells.
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These young, immature stem cells are also called hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells.
During the process of blood cell maturity, the cells eventually form into white or red blood cells.
The American Cancer Society reports that those who are good candidates for treatment have better results.
The criteria include those who:
Some transplant centers set age limits.
Sub-Types
The specific sub-jot down of stem cell therapy depends on where the cells are harvested.
Note: Another name for a stem cell transplant is hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Donor Recipient Selection Process
A successful stem cell transplant procedure provides a person with healthy bone marrow.
When a donor is involved (an allogeneic procedure), a new immune system is provided.
The donors stem cells may provide the recipient with protection against underlyingcancer.
The body can replace bone marrow that is lost during a transplant in approximately two weeks.
What Are Antigens?
These antigens are called HLAs, an acronym for human leukocyte antigens.
There are four sets of antigens that have been scientifically identified.
When a donor is matched, preferably all four of the HLA antigen sites match up.
This instance represents an identical match of the HLA antigens.
Blood tests must be performed to evaluate whether the immediate family member is a match.
Unrelated Donors
Unrelated donors can be considered.
The transplant center performing the procedure will oversee the search.
Knowing what to expect during and after the procedure can help reduce emotional stress.
Not only is stress reduction beneficial to overall health and wellness, it can also help improve outcomes.
Blood stem cell harvesting involves a needle placed in the vein of the donor.
Harvesting may occur the same day as the transplant if the stem cells are coming from a donor.
The procedure itself is painless.
Before the procedure, medication is given to lower the risk of side effects.
IV fluids are also given for hydration and to help flush out the preservative.
The transplanted stem cells travel to the patient’s bone marrow and begin making new blood cells.
The transplant recipient remains awake during the entire procedure and can usually go home after it is complete.
Therefore, it’s vital to weigh all the options before having the procedure.
Asking questions and considering the pros and cons of treatment is important.
What Is GvHD?
A common complication from stem cell therapy is called graft-versus-host disease (or GvHD).
The percentage of those who experience GvHD can be as high as 70%.
Life-threatening symptomsinclude sepsis, a severe bang out of infection in the blood.
It is often the cause when death occurs after a stem cell transplant procedure.
Its important to note that in many instances GvHD becomes a long-term condition.
Risk Prevention
There are medications that can minimize the risk of a person getting GvHD.
This process is called engraftment.
Healthcare providers will also want to monitor the overall condition of a transplant recipient.
Mild symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea may occur.
Your healthcare provider can prescribe medication to help with these symptoms.
Mayo Clinic.Bone Marrow Transplant.
American Cancer Society.Getting a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.
Medstar Georgetown University Hospital.Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy.
(n.d.)
Texas Oncology.Donor Selection.
American Cancer Society.How stem cell and bone marrow transplants are used to treat cancer.
Cleveland Clinic.Graft vs Host Disease: An Overview in Bone Marrow Transplant.
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.Blood and marrow transplant.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Types of Stem Cell Transplants.
