Genetic Disorders and Birth Defects

Stem cell transplants are used in oncology to help replace the healthy cells damaged by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Stem cells are normally found in the bone marrow. If you receive chemotherapy or radiation treatments, you may need to have... Full Answer

The most successful stem cell therapy—bone marrow transplant—has been around for more than 40 years. Johns Hopkins researchers played an integral role in establishing the methods for how bone marrow transplants are done. In 1968, George... Full Answer

Early complications usually occur within 5 to 10 days and include: Mouth sores. Hair loss. Bleeding, because of severe reduction in red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea. Infection, such as... Full Answer

Before receiving stem cell transplatation for leukemia, you will undergo a conditioning regimen, which involves intensive treatment to destroy as many leukemic cells as possible. You may receive high doses of chemotherapy, and in some cases radiation... Full Answer

Some people are able to receive part or even all of their treatment in an outpatient clinic. Even if you need to be in a hospital, you will not usually have to stay longer than 3 weeks. Severe, often life-threatening infection can develop after a stem... Full Answer

Transplants from your own marrow Using your own stem cells in a transplant is safer than using someone else's, because your body will not reject your own stem cells. But stem cells from your own marrow or blood may still contain some cancer cells. So... Full Answer

Early complications usually occur within 5 to 10 days and include: Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea. Mouth sores. Hair loss. Bleeding because of severe reduction in red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Infection, such as... Full Answer

An autologous stem cell transplant is used: After high doses of chemotherapy for killing cancer cells. The chemotherapy also destroys your bone marrow. The stem cell transplant gives you back your normal bone marrow. To treat diseases that damage... Full Answer

The success of a stem cell transplant depends on your age and general health, the type and stage of disease and how well the donor matches. Serious complications can develop after a stem cell transplant. The original disease often comes back, or... Full Answer

The success of a transplant depends on the type and stage of the disease and your age and general health. The original disease may come back after the transplant. If relapse occurs after autologous transplant, chemotherapy or other treatments may be... Full Answer