By stem cell transplant, doctors refer to the transfer of stem cells into the body of a patient undergoing anti-cancer treatment such as chemotherapy. The thing is that the powerful chemo-drugs used for reducing tumors also destroy the cells responsible for blood regeneration. Therefore, the stem cell transplant will be the only way to support the body to cope with the anti-cancer treatment and the number of chemotherapy sessions prescribed. There are many cases when stem cell transplant is not necessary or possible. But the course of action is usually established by one doctor or a team of experts after analyzing the patient’s condition, the chemotherapy sessions and the responsiveness to the treatment.
The use of a donor or the collection of individual stem cells is one main issue to consider once the necessity of a stem cell transplant has been established. The collection operation for individual transfers will only be possible prior to the administration of the chemotherapy high-dose treatment. Until usage, the stem cells will be stored frozen. In case a donor is needed, then the collection of the stem cells is performed just prior to the intervention. It is preferred to undergo a stem cell transplant from a donor because when using the human stem cells, there is the risk of a reaction from the immune system.
Bone marrow collection was the only way to get the stem cells a few years ago, but science has made quite a progress in this direction. The problem with this kind of intervention is the pain and discomfort that accompany the procedure. Yet, at present, stem cells can be extracted from the peripheral blood as well, and then, be used for transplants. It is true that for the moment, bone marrow transplants are more used or common, but the one relying on peripheral blood is gaining territory and will impose itself eventually.
The stem cell transplant could also rely on umbilical cord blood, but this is by far a less usual procedure, because the number of stem cells that can be extracted from the umbilical cord is pretty reduced. New discoveries have also confirmed the possibility of combining umbilical cord stem cell from several sources so that a treatment compatible with a patient’s condition may be created. And last but not least, an even more unusual and rare case of stem cell transplant is from one identical twin to another, thanks to the huge compatibility rate between such individuals.