Autologous Stem Cell Transplant

Stem cell transplantation, also called hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or HSCT, is a process that involves the infusion of stem cells into your body in order to treat certain diseases of the blood and bone. When the stem cells come from your own blood or bone marrow, it is called an autologous stem cell transplant.

Uses of Autologous Stem Cell Transplant
Autologous SCT is used in order to replenish the blood reserves in the body in case you are suffering from fatal diseases such as

• Leukemia (blood cancer)

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma

• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

• Aplastic anemia

• Multiple myeloma (skin cancer)

In these conditions, the body loses its ability to produce healthy cells and generates an excessive number of defective cells that lead to the development of cancers such as leukemia.

This procedure is also used to restore the health of the bone marrow if it has been damaged by radiation or aggressive chemotherapy to treat cancer. Ongoing research is examining the use of autologous stem cells transplant in treatment a number of other diseases including Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and sickle cell disease.

Advantages
One of the main advantages of autologous transplants is that the risk of infection is low since these cells are harvested from your own body. Furthermore, the risk of rejection of these transplants is also very less for the same reason.

Disadvantages
In disease conditions such as leukemia, there is always the chance that once these new stem cells are infused into the body, the cancer may return. In such cases, doctors may prefer other stem cell transplants such as an allogeneic one.

Collecting Stem Cells
Autologous stem cell transplants are usually performed via peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Here a protein called G-CSF is used to stimulate the blood to produce new stem cells, which are then separated from the blood through a procedure called as apheresis. This procedure involves the use of a machine that separates the blood and the stem cells. Once the blood and the stem cells are separated, the blood is returned into a person’s body via a central venous catheter.

Transplanting Stem Cells
The procedure of transplanting autologous stem cells involves the use of a central venous catheter, which is inserted into your chest. The stem cells are infused from a blood bag into your body through this catheter. Generally, it takes about 3 weeks for your body to start producing new cells after transplantation.

Risks and Complications of Transplantation
As with any transplant, the autologous procedure also involves several risks and complications. These include

• Hair loss

• Diarrhea

• Nausea and vomiting

• Mouth sores

• Infections

• Recurrence of cancer

• Depression

• Infertility

In conclusion, autologous stem cell transplantation is still an evolving science. However it has shown immense promise in treating several incurable diseases. Such procedures must always be undertaken after weighing the risks and benefits and the best person to do so is always your doctor.

Return from Autologous Stem Cell Transplant to Stem Cell Transplant
Return from Autologous Stem Cell Transplant to Cord Blood Cells