![]() Some of the stem cells that were collected are thawed and given back, or infused, through the central line in the chest. Healthy stem cells are given back to the patient.The chemotherapy drugs will have certain side effects and, as a result, other medications may be given to combat these side effects. High-dose chemotherapy is administered to fight the myeloma. The stem cells are frozen until it is time to give them back to the patient. When the white cells are collected, the rest of the blood (the other 99%) is returned through the machine to the patient. The white blood cells constitute less than 1% of our blood. The white blood cells are the cells that need to be collected because they contain the stem cells. Blood is withdrawn and circulated through an apheresis machine, which is a device that separates white blood cells from the rest of the blood's components. The stem cells are collected using an intravenous line, or central line, that is inserted into the chest. Now, we use a method called mobilization to trick the stem cells to leave the bone marrow and come out into the peripheral blood, where they can be collected more easily. In the past, this was done by going into the bone marrow to get the stem cells. A patient's general state of health is the most important factor. We have had patients in their 80s have a transplant and do very well, so age should never be the only reason a transplant is not performed. Many patients ask us if they are too old to have a transplant. Many times these other medical conditions can first be addressed and then, when they are under control, a patient can proceed with having a transplant. There are some patients who have other medical conditions that make having a transplant too risky. Patient eligibilityĪ patient needs to be in relatively good health to have a transplant. Most autologous transplants can be done safely on an outpatient basis with careful monitoring. This is especially important for myeloma patients, who are often times older and already more vulnerable. The stem cells help the body more quickly rebuild the blood and immune system. Patients are vulnerable to infection and bleeding after chemotherapy, and giving a patient back his or her unharmed stem cells significantly reduces this period of vulnerability. This way, the healthy stem cells are not damaged by the high-dose chemotherapy. The period of time between the first transplant and second transplant is typically about two and a half to three months.Īn autologous stem cell transplant involves collecting a patient's own healthy bone marrow stem cells prior to giving high-dose chemotherapy and then giving them back after the treatment. Not only will patients who have received tandem transplants generally live longer, their quality of life will be better. Studies have shown improved response and survival rates with tandem transplants compared to a single transplant. This is also known as a double autologous transplant. Learn how marrow donation works, the steps of a patient transplant, steps of donation, and factors that can impact the likelihood of finding a match.A tandem autologous transplant means that two autologous transplants are performed within a period of no more than six months. How does a patients ethnic background affect matchingĪva, transplant recipient with her marrow donor, MichelleĪ marrow transplant may be someone’s only hope for a cure.One simple action can be the difference that gives a patient hope for the future. The cure for blood cancer is in the hands of ordinary people. Myths and facts about blood stem cell donation.We conduct research to improve transplant outcomes provide support and resources for patients, and partner with a global network. Be The Match® is a global leader in bone marrow transplantation.
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