The Christie Private Care
Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester
Autologous stem cell transplant
An autologous stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant, is used to treat blood cancers and disorders using your own stem cells
About autologous transplants
In an autologous stem cell transplant your own cells are used to replace cells which have been destroyed by high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (depending on your disease). We harvest (collect) some of your stem cells before the high-dose treatment because it destroys both cancer cells and healthy blood cells. It also affects the bone marrow’s ability to produce stem cells and increases your risk of infection because it lowers your level of white blood cells.
Following your treatment we return (infuse) the healthy stem cells collected before your treatment back into your body. By doing this we ‘rescue’ your bone marrow from the damaging effects of the high-dose treatment. The infused cells start to make blood cells again and help your blood levels return to normal. Depending on your disease, the aim of the stem cell transplant will be to prolong your remission (time when there are no signs of cancer) or cure your illness.
What happens when you have an autologous transplant
High-dose chemotherapy
In the first stage of treatment you will receive high-dose chemotherapy, also called conditioning chemotherapy. This chemotherapy destroys as many cancer cells as possible that are still in your body after you have completed your standard-dose treatment. Unfortunately, it also destroys other blood cells, significantly reducing your blood count (the levels of blood cells in your blood). Your team will see you every day and monitor you closely during the high-dose treatment.
Stem cell infusion (return)
The next step is to reintroduce (infuse) your stem cells, either 24 or 48 hours after the start of your last chemotherapy. Stem cell infusion is painless and is very much like having a blood transfusion. It usually takes between one and two hours to complete.
The infused stem cells will find their way straight back into your bone marrow. From there they begin to grow and form new blood cells, which usually takes between 10 and 14 days.
In the first stage of treatment you will receive high-dose chemotherapy, also called conditioning chemotherapy. This chemotherapy destroys as many cancer cells as possible that are still in your body after you have completed your standard-dose treatment. Unfortunately, it also destroys other blood cells, significantly reducing your blood count (the levels of blood cells in your blood). Your team will see you every day and monitor you closely during the high-dose treatment.
Stem cell infusion (return)
The next step is to reintroduce (infuse) your stem cells, either 24 or 48 hours after the start of your last chemotherapy. Stem cell infusion is painless and is very much like having a blood transfusion. It usually takes between one and two hours to complete.
The infused stem cells will find their way straight back into your bone marrow. From there they begin to grow and form new blood cells, which usually takes between 10 and 14 days.
You will need a number of tests to make sure that you are ready for your stem cell transplant.
These may include:
These may include:
- Routine blood tests
- MUGA (multiple gated acquisition)
- ECG (electrocardiogram)
- GFR (glomerular filtration rate)
- Lung function test (known as a pulmonary function test)
- A bone marrow test or biopsy
- CT scan (computerised tomography)
- PET scan (positron emission tomography)
- MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging)
In the days following your stem cell infusion and until the new blood cells form, you will become ‘immuno-compromised’. You may hear the nurses and doctors refer to this as being ‘neutropenic’. This means that your immune system isn’t working properly. During this time, you are at high risk of infection and other problems, such as bleeding and anaemia. The focus of our care will be to support you, and we will monitor you closely.
From the start of treatment to the time you leave hospital after your transplant is usually between three and four weeks. Your medical team will keep you informed as your treatment progresses and when you are ready to go home they will develop a discharge plan for you.
From the start of treatment to the time you leave hospital after your transplant is usually between three and four weeks. Your medical team will keep you informed as your treatment progresses and when you are ready to go home they will develop a discharge plan for you.
Our Autologous stem cell transplant locations
HCA Healthcare UK at University College Hospital
Grafton Way Building, 1 Grafton Way WC1E 6AG London
Private Care at Guy's
London Bridge Hospital Private Care at Guy's SE1 9RT London
Patient stories
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.