Blood Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant
May 6, 2024
This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Leslie Popplewell, M.D., Hematologist and Medical Director of Hematology and Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant, City of Hope Atlanta
Cancer and its treatments (including chemotherapy and radiation therapy) may harm the patient’s bone marrow, which is where all blood cells are formed. A stem cell or bone marrow transplant may be used to replace bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This allows the bone marrow to grow and make new, healthy blood cells. It’s an important treatment option for patients with cancers that affect blood cells, such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes.
It may also be used for brain cancers (including those that recur in children), germ cell tumors and testicular cancer. Research is underway exploring its use in treating other cancers as well.
Our Expertise in Stem Cell Transplant
City of Hope® is the largest and most successful bone marrow and blood stem cell transplant program in the nation, with nearly 20,000 bone marrow transplant procedures performed to date — both autologous and allogeneic — through our cancer centers in Duarte, California, Phoenix, Chicago and Atlanta. We’re a pioneer in developing innovative treatments for all blood cancers, also called hematologic malignancies, and other blood-related disorders. We are also among the world leaders in helping to set high standards for stem cell transplantation and improving the outcomes for pediatric and adult patients.
In addition, City of Hope is known for delivering exceptional survivor rates, according to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. Over the years, we have consistently had outcomes that rank at the highest level among centers in this country.
Stem cells are found throughout the body, but those used in transplantation come from bone marrow or blood. There are two primary types of bone marrow transplants: autologous transplant (the stem cells come from the patient who is being treated) and allogeneic transplant (the stem cells come from a donor).
The stem cell or bone marrow transplant procedure will vary depending on whether it’s an autologous or allogeneic transplant. However, both involve these five general steps: preparation, stem cell collection, conditioning, the procedure and recovery.
Recovery from a bone marrow or stem cell transplant is slow and completed in stages. It takes time for the body to feel more normal.
Initially, patients will be watched closely and intensively. Eventually, patients are able to continue with a regular schedule of medical checkups.
The intensive chemotherapy treatments administered to prepare the body for transplant may damage the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections.
We recognize the importance of maintaining contact with all transplant patients to ensure they have optimal outcomes after their treatments have concluded. Established in 1998, our long-term follow-up program tracks patients who have received a transplant at City of Hope. Through this program, our survivors will be carefully monitored for long-term effects and given timely interventions, while our clinicians and researchers have access to data that they may use to improve cancer treatments further.
To help transplant patients and their families learn more about what they may expect before, during and after a blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant, City of Hope created A Patient's Guide to Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation.
Patients who need an allogeneic bone marrow transplant will require a donor. The donor and the patient must have human leukocyte antigens (HLA) that match. HLA proteins are the body’s way of knowing which cells belong and which are foreign invaders.
The transplant care team works to find the most appropriate donor for each patient. City of Hope participates in the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP).
American Cancer Society (2023, May 4). Types of Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/stem-cell-transplant/types-of-transplants.htmlNational Cancer Institute (2023, October 5). Stem Cell Transplants in Cancer Treatment.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/stem-cell-transplantAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology (2020, July). What Is a Bone Marrow Transplant (Stem Cell Transplant?).
https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/bone-marrowstem-cell-transplantation/what-bone-marrow-transplant-stem-cell-transplantAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology (2023, June). What to Expect During Recovery From a Bone Marrow Transplant: An Expert Q&A.
https://www.cancer.net/blog/2023-06/what-expect-during-recovery-bone-marrow-transplant-expert-qaHealth Resources & Services Administration (Updated 2023, April 10) Searching for a Match.
https://bloodstemcell.hrsa.gov/transplant-basics/searching-matchBe the Match. Donor search FAQs.
https://bethematch.org/patients-and-families/before-transplant/find-a-donor/donor-search-faqs/
At City of Hope, your supportive care continues long after treatment is complete. Our specialists will help you adjust to post-treatment diet and lifestyle changes, and our unique family and survivorship programs will assist you and your loved ones.
Our developments in the areas of breakthrough cancer drugs, bone marrow transplants and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.
Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to cancer care.
