What Is Autologous Stem Cell Transplant? How Does a Bone Marrow Transplant Work?
Introduction:
When a person falls ill with a blood cancer or bone marrow disorder, the doctors usually resort to treating it with intensive therapies such as chemotherapy. But such therapies could also harm normal cells, especially those of the bone marrow. This is where an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant comes into play—an award winning procedure wherein your own stem cells are used to help your body heal.
This guide provides simplified information on its functioning, its effectiveness, and why getting it performed at Apollo proton cancer center Hospitals is among the best options available in India
What Is an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant?
In layman’s terms, the autologous transplant means removing healthy stem cells from the patient, storing them safely, treating the patient very aggressively for the disease, and then returning the healthy cells back into the patient.
Since these cells are the patient’s own cells, there is no chance of rejection by the patient.
IWhy Is It Done?
Doctors recommend this type of transplant in such an event of:
- Blood cancers such as multiple myeloma or lymphoma
- Certain autoimmune disorders
How Does a Bone Marrow Transplant Work?
Here’s a brief explanation of the entire procedure:
1. Collecting Your Stem Cells
First, you will receive some injections from your doctor to encourage an increase of stem cells in your peripheral blood. These stem cells make new blood and immune cells for you.
Once in sufficient numbers in the blood, the stem cells are harvested by a machine (similar to donating blood). The stem cells thus collected are made storable for future use.
2. Giving Dose Treatment
You then get high-dose chemotherapy, maybe with radiation, to kill cancer cells and also to kill off your present bone marrow
3. Putting Your Stem Cells Back
Once you’ve finished the treatment, the stem cells that were stored earlier will be infused back into your body through a drip. They will then move into your bone marrow and start producing healthy blood cells.
4. Recovery and Care
Your body will be watched carefully to ensure that it is making new blood cells and is safe from infections. Recovery may take a few weeks to several months, depending on your health.
How Effective Is Stem Cell Therapy?
Through autologous stem cell transplants, thousands of people are able to have a second chance at life.
Well Does It Work?
For certain types of cancers- like multiple myeloma- it is supposedly the best available therapy. Slightly better long-term survival and potential for remission (when the cancer is in remission, at times)
Why Choose Apollo Proton Cancer center Hospitals?
Apollo proton cancer center Hospitals is a famous name for bone marrow and stem cell transplantation agencies in India. Here is why a patient prefers to go to Apollo proton cancer center:
1. State-of-the-Art Facilities
- Apollo proton cancer center hospitals have:
- Specialized infection-free transplant rooms
- Labs to process and storage of your stem cells
- All modern machines and safety regulations
2. Individualized Care
- Apollo proton cancer center offers full care around the transplant:
- Psychological and nutritional support
- Infection control
- Regular check-ups and follow-ups
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it painful?
A: Collection of stem cells is similar to giving blood. The transplant itself is administered intravenously; it is not a surgical procedure.
Q: How long is recovery going to take?
A: One might spend a few weeks in the hospital and then months of recuperation at home. The recovery of every person is slightly unique.
Q: Can it cure my cancers?
A: In many circumstances, yes. It can endeavor to put the cancer into very long-term remission, a term we would use if it did not recur for a long time or maybe forever.
If either you or a loved one is considering a stem cell transplant, then Apollo proton cancer center Hospitals shall be your best partner, given world-class care coupled with compassion, expertise, and proven success.
Learn more and schedule an appointment by clicking on the official Apollo proton cancer center Hospitals page.
