What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are special cells that can develop into different types of blood cells your body needs. They are primarily found in:
- Bone marrow
- Peripheral blood
- Umbilical cord blood
Types of Transplants
Autologous Transplant
- Uses your own stem cells
- Cells are collected and stored before treatment
- Common for lymphoma and multiple myeloma
Allogeneic Transplant
- Uses stem cells from a donor
- Requires careful matching
- Used for leukemia and other blood disorders
The Transplant Process
1. Preparation Phase
- Complete medical evaluation
- Install central venous catheter
- Receive conditioning treatment (chemotherapy/radiation)
2. Transplant Phase
- Stem cells infused through IV
- Process takes 30-60 minutes
- Similar to blood transfusion
3. Recovery Phase
- Engraftment (10-30 days)
- Immune system rebuilding
- Close monitoring for complications
Potential Complications
Early Complications
- Infections
- Bleeding
- Mucositis
- Organ damage
Later Complications
- Graft-versus-host disease (allogeneic only)
- Secondary cancers
- Organ problems
Recovery Timeline
- Hospital stay: 2-4 weeks
- Initial recovery: 3-6 months
- Full recovery: 1-2 years
Follow-up Care
- Regular check-ups
- Blood tests
- Infection prevention
- Vaccination schedule
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Strict hygiene practices
- Dietary restrictions
- Activity modifications
- Support system engagement