Stem cell transplant
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Stem cells are special cells found in the bone marrow that develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When these cells are not working properly, a stem cell transplant can help restore healthy blood cell production. This procedure replaces damaged or diseased blood-forming stem cells with healthy stem cells.
Different terms are used to describe this process ‘stem cell transplant’, ‘bone marrow transplant’ and ‘haematopoietic stem cell transplant’. The main difference between a stem cell transplant and a bone marrow transplant is the way the stem cells are collected (this process is also called harvesting). In the majority of cases, stem cells can be collected peripherally from a line that collects the stem cells from the donors bloodstream. At St George’s this process happens on Gordon Smith ward on the Apheresis unit. A much smaller proportion of transplants happen after bone marrow collection of stem cells.
There are different types of transplant, autologous and allogeneic.
In an autologous transplant, your own stem cells are collected and stored before treatment. After high-dose chemotherapy, the stored stem cells are returned to your bloodstream to help your bone marrow recover. You might hear this called an autograft or an auto.
In an allogeneic transplant, stem cells come from a donor whose tissue type closely matches yours. The donor may be a family member or an unrelated volunteer donor. These healthy donor cells can help rebuild your immune system and fight disease. You might hear this called an allograft or an allo.
The Anthony Nolan website has further information, audio clips, videos and booklets on stem cell transplant.
Including resources to support you with Essential Facts, Memory and concentration after a stem cell transplant, The next steps – long term recovery handbook, Returning to Work,
Blood cancer UK have a guide ‘the seven steps’ which explains the transplant process as a series of stages from planning ahead to recovery.
There are several different reasons that people have stem cell transplants, not all of the reasons are for treatment of cancer. At St George’s we support people through this treatment with a range of conditions including multiple sclerosis (MS) and sickle cell. Further information about Sickle cell and stem cell transplant can be found on Anthony Nolan
Preparing for stem cell transplant or CAR-T seminar
We provide a welcoming session for you and your loved ones to meet the stem cell transplant and CAR-T team and hear our advice and guidance to help you prepare for your admission, meet other people awaiting a stem cell transplant or CAR-T and hear from a patient who has been through the process. We also provide information about helpful things you can do at home to prepare for your admission to help you prepare physically and emotionally. We provide a booklet to accompany the seminar, which provides additional information to help you understand the practical aspects of this process.
Please ask your nurse specialist for more information about this seminar.
We have developed a series of films with our patients to help you to prepare for your hospital admission for your stem cell transplant/CAR-T. These films share the experiences and ‘top tips’ from our patients.
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