Stem Cell Transplantation

Stem cell transplantation is an advanced medical procedure used to treat certain cancers, particularly blood-related cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It involves replacing diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells that can regenerate into new, healthy blood cells. This treatment plays a critical role in helping patients recover from high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

There are two main types of stem cell transplants: autologous and allogeneic. In an autologous transplant, the patient’s own healthy stem cells are collected, stored, and then reintroduced after intensive treatment. This method reduces the risk of rejection and complications. In an allogeneic transplant, stem cells are taken from a matched donor—often a sibling or unrelated volunteer—providing the patient with new immune cells that can help fight cancer.