How does a stem cell transplantation for leukemia work?
September 21, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Andrea Schlosser
Dear Doctor,
My name is Leonie Müller and I suffer from acute leukemia. I am currently in a very difficult situation and am facing the decision of whether a stem cell transplant is an option for me. I have already received chemotherapy, but unfortunately my condition has not improved.
I am very concerned about the process of a stem cell transplant and would like to learn more about it. How exactly does a stem cell transplant for leukemia work? What steps are involved and what risks are associated with it?
I have heard that there are different types of stem cell transplants. Which one would be best suited for me and how is it decided which type is suitable for me?
Furthermore, I wonder where the stem cells used for the transplant come from. How are they ensured to be a match for me and that there are no rejection reactions?
I am also interested in knowing what the success rates of a stem cell transplant for leukemia are and what long-term effects it could have.
Thank you in advance for your time and support in this important decision.
Sincerely,
Leonie Müller
Dear Mrs. Müller,
First of all, I would like to thank you for your trust and assure you that I am happy to provide you with all the information regarding stem cell transplantation in leukemia. I understand that you are in a difficult situation and have to make important decisions.
Stem cell transplantation is a treatment option for patients with leukemia, where healthy stem cells are transplanted into the body to restore the blood-forming system. The process of stem cell transplantation involves several steps. Firstly, your own stem cells or those of a donor are collected. Then, high-dose chemotherapy or radiation is administered to destroy the diseased cells. Subsequently, the healthy stem cells are transferred into your body via infusion. The stem cells find their way to the bone marrow, where they multiply and form new, healthy blood.
There are different types of stem cell transplants, including autologous transplantation, where your own stem cells are used, and allogeneic transplantation, where donor stem cells are used. The decision on which type is best for you depends on various factors, such as your age, health, and the stage of your disease. In your case, an allogeneic transplantation would probably be advisable, as it has a higher success rate.
The stem cells for transplantation can come from a related or unrelated donor. It is important that the donor's tissue characteristics match yours as closely as possible to avoid rejection reactions. Through extensive testing, the appropriate stem cells for you will be selected.
The success rates of stem cell transplantation in leukemia depend on various factors, such as the stage of the disease, your health condition, and the match of tissue characteristics. Overall, success rates are around 60-70%. Long-term, stem cell transplantation can lead to a permanent cure, but it can also have side effects like infections or graft-versus-host reactions.
I hope that this information can help you in your decision-making process. Please do not hesitate to ask further questions if you still have uncertainties. I am available at any time.
Best regards,
Andrea Schlosser
