Procedure guide · Haematology and haemato-oncology
An autologous bone marrow or stem cell transplant uses your own blood-forming stem cells. The US National Cancer Institute explains that the cells are collected, high-dose chemotherapy is given, and the cells are then returned to restore blood production. Stem cell transplants are used for conditions such as multiple myeloma and lymphoma, and a haematologist decides whether one suits you.
What is an autologous transplant?
High-dose chemotherapy, sometimes with radiation, can destroy cancer cells but also the stem cells in the bone marrow that make blood. In an autologous transplant your own stem cells are collected beforehand and stored. The NCI explains that after the high-dose treatment they are given back through a drip, much like a blood transfusion. This is called day zero.
Most stem cells today are collected from the blood rather than the bone marrow itself. The NCI calls this a peripheral blood stem cell transplant. Because the cells are your own there is no risk of rejection. The NCI notes there is a small risk that some cancer cells are collected and returned.
Who may be considered for an autologous transplant?
The NCI lists leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes among the most common reasons for stem cell transplants. Autologous transplants are used for some of these and for certain other cancers. Suitability depends on the disease, how it has responded to earlier treatment, your fitness and organ function. Your haematologist decides whether and when a transplant is right.
Which reports does a transplant team usually ask for?
Ask the hospital whether it needs:
- the diagnosis report, including bone marrow and histopathology results
- a full record of treatment so far: drugs, cycles and dates
- response assessments such as PET-CT or marrow reports after treatment
- blood counts and kidney, liver and heart function tests
- an echocardiogram and lung function tests, if done
- infection screening results
How do I plan an autologous transplant trip?
A transplant is a process, not a single day. The NCI says it can take a few months to complete. Stages usually include assessment, stem cell collection, high-dose treatment, the transplant, a period while counts recover in hospital and close follow-up nearby. The NCI notes that blood counts may recover within weeks but the immune system takes several months to recover after an autologous transplant.
Plan to stay near the transplant centre after discharge, as advised by your team. Infection control matters, so choose clean accommodation where food can be prepared safely. Bring an attendant who is healthy and able to stay throughout. Ask in writing about vaccinations you will need afterwards and who will give them at home.
What should I ask the hospital before booking?
- Is an autologous transplant recommended at this point in my treatment?
- How will my stem cells be collected and how many collections might I need?
- How long will I stay in hospital and then nearby?
- What infection precautions apply to me and my attendant?
- Which follow-up tests and vaccinations will I need at home?
- Who will my haematologist at home contact with questions?
Who decides
IndiaMedica does not give medical advice. Your oncology team decides on treatment, its schedule, how long you stay and when it is safe to travel.
Questions people ask
Does an autologous transplant need a donor?
No. The stem cells come from your own body and are collected before high-dose treatment. The NCI explains that because the cells are your own they match, which avoids rejection. A donor is only needed for an allogeneic transplant.
Why must I stay near the hospital after discharge?
Your immune system is weak for some time after a transplant, and infections or other problems can arise quickly. The NCI describes close follow-up after transplant. Your team decides how long you should stay nearby before it is safe to travel home.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.