Stem cell transplant

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Stem cell transplant

Stem cell transplant is the replacement of damaged bone marrow cells with healthy cells (stem cells). Stem cells are immature cells produced in the bone marrow that make more stem cells, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Stem cell transplant is used:

To treat diseases that damage or destroy the bone marrow, such as lymphoma and leukemia.
To rescue the bone marrow after it has been destroyed by high doses of radiation and chemotherapy. Stem cells are usually taken from the person's body before the radiation or chemotherapy treatment and then reinfused (autologous transplant).
Experimentally for gene therapy and the treatment of other diseases, such as diabetes and sickle cell disease.

The success of a stem cell transplant depends on the person's age and general health condition and whether the donated cells match the body cells. Serious complications that can occur after a stem cell transplant include rejection of the new stem cells, destruction of other cells in the person's body by the new stem cells, or severe, often life-threatening, infection.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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