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    By  Huu Dai Dong Tran  on 

    What is stem cell transplantation?

      Ghép tế bào gốc là gì?

      1. What is stem cell transplantation?

      Stem cell transplantation (or bone marrow transplantation, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) is a procedure to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
      These stem cells have the ability to develop into different types of blood cells:

      • Red blood cells: carry oxygen

      • White blood cells: fight infection

      • Platelets: help blood clot

      Cancer and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can damage stem cells, leaving the bone marrow unable to produce enough blood cells.

      2. Diseases that can be treated with stem cell transplantation

      Stem cell transplantation is used to treat many blood and immune system diseases, including:

      • Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

      • Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

      • Lymphoma

      • Multiple myeloma

      • Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

      • Aplastic anemia

      3. Who may be suitable for stem cell transplantation?

      To determine if a patient is suitable, the doctor will:

      • Check medical history

      • Do a blood test

      • X-ray, CT Scan

      • Check heart, lung, liver, kidney function

      • Bone marrow biopsy

      • Psychological assessment and social support

      4. Types of stem cell transplants

      a. Autologous transplant

      • Stem cells are taken from the patient himself and stored before treatment.

      • After high-dose chemotherapy/radiation, these cells are infused back to restore the immune system.

      • Suitable for patients with myeloma, lymphoma or autoimmune diseases.

      b. Allogeneic transplant

      • Stem cells are obtained from a donor who is HLA compatible.

      • Used for diseases such as AML, MDS, aplastic anemia, lymphoma, myeloma.

      • Before transplantation, the patient is “conditioned” with chemotherapy/radiation to eliminate diseased cells and prepare the bone marrow.

      • The transfusion process is similar to blood transfusion.

      • If a perfect HLA donor is not available, a haploidentical donor or umbilical cord blood can be used.

      5. Things to prepare before grafting

      • Your doctor will choose a transplant option based on your disease type, response to treatment, age, and overall health.

      • Treatment can be lengthy: about a month in hospital, followed by a recovery period.

      • Family and caregivers play an important role throughout this process.

      • Age isn't the only determining factor — overall health is the main one.

      6. Cost

      Cost depends on:

      • Type of graft (autologous or allogeneic)

      • Donor source (related or not)

      • Disease complexity and complications
        Patients will be provided with detailed and transparent information prior to treatment.

      7. Recovery and expected results

      • After discharge, the patient will be monitored periodically.

      • In the early stages after transplantation, the immune system is weak, so the risk of infection is high; it is necessary to use antibiotics, antivirals and follow prevention instructions.

      • With an allograft, there is a risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) — when donor cells attack the recipient's body. Your doctor will use medications to prevent and control this condition.

      • Complete recovery of the immune system and blood cells may take 6–12 months.

      • After the transplant, patients can live a normal life; most feel better within 2 months to 1 year, although they may still feel tired during the recovery period.

      8. Information by disease

      • Multiple myeloma: autologous transplantation is often used for consolidation after chemotherapy; it helps prolong remission, although it rarely cures completely.

      • Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): consider allogeneic transplantation when complete remission is not achieved or prognosis is poor.

      • Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): only for high-risk patients or those who do not respond well to chemotherapy.

      • Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS): Allogeneic transplantation is the only curative treatment.

      • Aplastic anemia: transplantation is only for severe cases, unresponsive to immunosuppressive treatment and there is a suitable donor.

      9. Commitments and notes

      • The treatment team provides comprehensive patient support at every stage: consultation, planning, treatment, monitoring and post-transplant care.

      • Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

      Source: https://cfch.com.sg/vi/stem-cell-transplant/

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