Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
- 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:
- Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Aplastic anemia
- Multiple myeloma
- 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.