Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant: What You Need to Know

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Chapters
0:00 Introduction
1:10 when is an allogeneic stem cell transplant needed
1:38 How are stem cells collected
2:36 how is allogeneic stem cell transplant carried out
• Stem cells are present in the bone marrow of the body and are responsible for the development of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• The stem cells turn into these cells, which then make up the blood.
• Because of this, stem cells are important for the body’s circulation system and health.
• Bone marrow damage due to injury or disease can impair cell development, making it difficult for the body to convert stem cells into blood cells.
• This can have drastic consequences as the body will become weaker over time and the situation can become fatal.
• To make sure that does not happen, a stem cell transplant is required.
• An allogeneic stem cell transplant means that the stem cells will be taken from another person and not from the patient’s body.
• The cells usually come from a close relative, such as a brother or son. Stem cells donated by strangers have a high risk of being rejected by the body.
• Let’s look at allogeneic stem cell transplant in detail:
When is an Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Needed?
• Stem cell transplants are required for the treatment of several health conditions that affect the bone and destroy it, such as:
1. Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
2. Aplastic anemia
3. Multiple myeloma
4. Leukemia
• A transplant is also used to restore a bone marrow after damage from chemotherapy or high-intensity radiation.
How are Stem Cells Collected?
• Stem cell collection is dependent on where the cells are taken from.
• For bone marrow transplants (BMT) the liquid inside the bone marrow is collected using a syringe.
• The insertion and collection might be done several times to get as much of the bone marrow as possible.
• The collected liquid is usually stored in a blood bag and frozen for future use.
• For peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT), the stem cells are collected from the blood.
• The procedure is usually preceded by the injection of growth factor G-CSF into the bloodstream to induce the development of more stem cells.
• The collection is done by transporting blood from a vein into a machine that filters out stem cells and moves the blood back to the body.
• Stem cells may also be collected from an umbilical cord. However, this has to happen before a baby is born.
How is Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Carried Out?
• The stem cells are transplanted directly into the bloodstream using a central venous catheter.
• The cells are then monitored in the hopes that they go to the bone marrow and restore it.
• You might also be isolated during the procedure and given antibiotics as your body’s immune system could be compromised due to decreased white blood cell production.
• Frequent blood tests to monitor blood cell levels are also necessary, and you may also need blood and platelets transfusions until the bone marrow starts to produce new cells.

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