Autologous Process
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Our cancer doctors perform stem cell transplants (also called Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Transplantation) to treat blood-related diseases like lymphoma , multiple myeloma , and, in some cases, leukemia .
In an autologous stem cell transplant, the patient’s own blood-forming stem cells are collected (harvested), frozen and stored, then given back to the patient after intensive therapy.
Stem cells are parent cells which divide to form the primary types of blood cells in the body: red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets (blood clotting cells). Stem cells exist in the bone marrow, circulating blood and umbilical cord blood.
An autologous stem cell transplant is different from an allogeneic stem cell transplant , which uses stem cells from a matching donor.
The Transplant
The first step in an autologous stem cell transplant is harvesting the stem cells. Our doctors typically obtain stem cells from the bloodstream (peripheral blood stem cells). A mobilization treatment brings the stem cells from the bone marrow into the peripheral bloodstream. Once the stem cells are in the bloodstream, the collection process begins.
The blood is separated using an apheresis machine. This process takes a few hours, and is repeated until the appropriate amount of stem cells is collected. Once the stem cells are harvested, they are frozen until it’s time to transplant.
Our doctors then administer high doses of chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy, to destroy the remaining cancer cells. The stem cell transplant typically occurs about two days after the intensive treatment is complete.
The frozen bags of stem cells are thawed out in preparation for the transplant. Once thawed, the stem cells are re-infused into the patient’s bloodstream, similar to a blood transfusion. This procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes.
After entering the bloodstream, the stem cells travel to the bone marrow and begin to produce new blood cells (a process called engraftment). In the weeks following the transplant, our doctors will check the patient’s blood counts frequently to monitor this process. If a blood transfusion is needed, it will likely occur within 4 weeks of the transplant.
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