Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplant

Overview

Stem cell transplant can cure or control some blood cancers and blood disorders. Stem cells may come from the patient (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic).

Why it is done

• Leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma
• Thalassaemia major and other inherited blood disorders
• Bone marrow failure such as aplastic anaemia

Before the transplant

Tests assess fitness and find a donor if needed. High-dose chemotherapy, sometimes with radiotherapy, prepares the body.

After the transplant

Patients stay in a protected unit until blood counts recover. Close follow-up continues for months to watch for infection and graft-versus-host disease.

Risks

Risks include serious infection, bleeding, graft-versus-host disease, organ damage and graft failure.

At KIH

KIH's haematology team can assess whether a transplant may help and refer you to a transplant centre.