Blogs

Stem cell transplant or therapy is an important part of treating blood cancers like leukemia, multiple myeloma and lymphoma.

The process of stem cell therapy involves replacing healthy stem cells into the body after the bone marrow has been destroyed by cancer, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

How is cancer treated using a stem cell transplant?

Cancer caused in the bone marrow or spread to the bone marrow from other parts of the body leads to the overproduction of abnormal cells in the bone marrow. These abnormal cells overpower the healthy cells, so that they cannot function properly.  

For healthy bone marrow cells to reproduce and work effectively, the abnormal stem cells need to stop growing. In such cases, your oncologist will suggest chemotherapy to wipe out all the cancer cells in the bone marrow, followed by stem cell transplant, a process which involves the replacement of healthy stem cells into the bone marrow.  

• Some people may need high doses of radiation and chemotherapy to kill all the stem cells in the body, so the bone marrow will completely stop making any blood cells for some time. This process is called myeloablation or myeloablative therapy. 
• Others may require the destruction of just some of the abnormal cells. This is called reduced intensity conditioning (RIC). 

Irrespective of how many abnormal cells are destroyed, the body needs to replace the abnormal stem cells with new and healthy ones, and that is where stem cell transplant comes in.  

How does stem cell transplant take place?

Stem cells are replaced or transplanted through the veins, just like a blood transfusion, and over time, these healthy stem cells will ultimately settle in the bone marrow and begin to produce cells that work normally.

There are mainly two types of transplants – autologous (self-donation) and allogenic (donation from a donor).

Questions to ask your oncologist or hemato-oncologist while deciding on a stem cell transplant

• Will a stem cell transplant completely cure my cancer?
• What are the chances of a successful treatment? 
• Will there be any side effects (short-term or long-term)?
• What will be the side effects, and how can they be managed? 
• How do we find a perfect donor?
• How will I know that my body is accepting the transplanted cells?
• What if my body rejects the transplanted cells? What will be the course of action in this case?
• How long would I have to remain in the hospital? 
• What are my chances of getting an infection during and after the procedure?
• How soon after my transplant can I expect to resume my daily activities? 
• What would be the cost for the entire treatment? 



While a stem cell transplant may offer significant benefits and sometimes can even cure people from cancer, it still remains a big and complex decision that also involves a large financial burden. Remember, you have the final say in whether or not to undergo a stem cell transplant as part of your care, so understanding the process in detail and making an effort to chart out the pros and cons of the procedure will help.  

Dr.Ashray Shrikant Kole
M.D (Medicine) PDF (Clinical Hematology - CMC Vellore)
Consultant Cancer Physician
MOC Cancer Care & Research Centre, Thane & Mulund.