Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, also known as HSCT, is a medical procedure that involves the transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to replace damaged or malfunctioning stem cells in the bone marrow. Hematopoietic stem cells are responsible for the production of all types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
This transplantation procedure is typically used in the treatment of various blood disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and certain genetic diseases affecting the blood cells. It may also be employed following high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as these treatments can destroy the patient's healthy stem cells.
There are two main types of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: autologous and allogeneic. Autologous transplantation involves the use of the patient's own stem cells, which are collected prior to high-dose therapy and stored for later use. Allogeneic transplantation, on the other hand, uses stem cells from another person, typically a sibling or a closely matched unrelated donor.
During an HSCT procedure, the patient undergoes conditioning therapy, which involves the administration of high-dose chemotherapy or radiation to eradicate the existing diseased or damaged cells. Following the conditioning phase, the collected stem cells are infused into the patient's bloodstream, where they travel to the bone marrow and begin the process of re-establishing a functioning blood cell population.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation carries various risks and complications, including graft-versus-host disease, infection, organ damage, and rejection. However, it can also be a potentially curative treatment option for individuals with certain blood disorders, offering them a chance for long-term remission or survival. The use of HSCT requires
