Stem cell transplantation can be used to treat various blood disorders such as leukemia and lymphoma. Find detailed information about this procedure, from treatment stages to potential complications, in the review below!

What Is Stem Cell Transplantation?

Stem cell transplantation, also known as bone marrow transplantation, is a treatment given when your bone marrow is damaged and cannot produce healthy blood cells. 

This transplant is also performed to replace damaged blood cells caused by certain treatments, such as high-dose radiation or chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells. 

The main goal of stem cell transplantation actually varies from one person to another. It may be used to treat diseases completely, control symptoms of diseases, improve quality of life, and even extend life expectancy.

Types of Stem Cell Transplantation

There are two types of stem cell transplantation:

• Autologous. Healthy stem cells are taken from the patient's body before therapies that may potentially damage stem cells begin.
• Allogeneic. Stem cells are obtained from a donor.

According to several studies summarized by the Cleveland Clinic, autologous transplantation is more commonly administered than allogeneic transplantation.

Who Needs Stem Cell Transplantation?

Doctors typically recommend stem cell transplantation when other treatment methods fail to address or alleviate the symptoms of severe blood cancer or other blood diseases. It's also a common recommendation if a previously cured blood disease recurs.

What kind of blood diseases can be treated with bone marrow transplantation? Here is the list:

• Severe aplastic anemia. A condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells.
• Leukemia. Cancer that affects the bone marrow and lymphatic system results in an overproduction of white blood cells.
• Lymphoma. Blood cancer that occurs in the lymphatic system, leading to enlarged lymph nodes.
• Multiple myeloma. Cancer that attacks plasma cells in the bone marrow.
• Blood disorders, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic disorders. Some examples include sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), and Hurler syndrome.

Conditions for Stem Cell Transplantation

Stem cell transplantation boasts a relatively high success rate. Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for this treatment method. 

Here are some conditions that are usually taken into consideration by doctors:

• Overall Health: Candidates for stem cell transplant have undergone intensive chemotherapy. In this situation, doctors will conduct a series of evaluations beforehand to assess whether the patient's body can withstand the side effects that may arise after the transplantation.
• Medical conditions: Not all cancers and blood diseases can be treated with stem cell transplantation.
• Treatment history: Some types of treatment can affect the success rate of bone marrow transplantation.
• Source of stem cells: If the patient does not have healthy stem cells, he must find a donor first. The problem is, not everyone can be a donor. 

The search for potential donors usually starts with close family members. After that, doctors may search for donor candidates through stem cell donor databases in the general public. 

If a suitable donor candidate cannot be found, this treatment method cannot be pursued.

Stem Cell Transplantation Procedure

In general, the stem cell transplantation procedure is divided into 3 stages. Here's a simple explanation of each:

1. Health Assessment

If you are a candidate for stem cell transplantation, the doctor will first conduct a series of tests.

These tests are aimed at determining if your body is stable enough to undergo chemotherapy before transplantation (conditioning), undergo the transplantation process, and manage any possible side effects. 

Here is the series of tests you may undergo:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) - examining the electrical activity of the heart muscles. 
• Echocardiography (Echo) - examining the rhythm and structure of the heart using high-frequency sound waves. 
• Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan) - examination of tissues and structures inside the body using X-rays and specialized computer technology. 
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) - examination of the three main components of blood: red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). 
• Biopsy -Procedure for examining cancer cells by extracting a sample of cells from your body.
• Liver function test. 
• Kidney function test. 

Before blood tests are performed, the doctor may insert a central venous catheter (CVC) into one of the large veins on your upper chest. 

A CVC is essential to prevent repeated needle injections on your skin during the transplantation process. 

If the transplantation uses stem cells from your own body, you may receive medication to boost stem cell production before the procedure begins.

2. Stem Cell Collection Process

To collect stem cells from your body, the doctor will perform several steps as follows: 

• The doctor will connect your blood vessels to a cell separator machine. 
• The machine will then draw blood from the blood vessels in one of your arms. 
• The blood entering the machine will have its stem cells extracted.
• After the separation process is complete, the blood will be returned to your body through the blood vessels in your other arm. 

This blood collection process may be repeated several times until the required amount of stem cells is obtained.

3. Stem Cell Transplantation Process

The transplantation procedure typically carried out within one or two days following the completion of the conditioning process.

Before the transplantation begins, the doctor will administer medications to prevent side effects or rejection of the new stem cells by your body. 

The process of inserting stem cells may take several hours. During this process, the doctor will perform periodic checks. The doctor will examine if you experience fever, chills, or any other side effects. 

The transplantation process itself looks and feels like receiving a blood transfusion through an infusion. It doesn’t hurt and along the process you will be fully awake. 

4. Post-Stem Cell Transplantation Care

Stem cells newly introduced into the body take time to produce blood cells. 

They need to travel through your blood to your bone marrow. After that, they will multiply and begin to make new-healthy cells. This process is called engraftment.

If you receive stem cells from another person, your body also needs time to form a new immune system while replacing damaged stem cells. 

This engraftment process can take several months to 1 year. Therefore, to make the examination and treatment process easier, it is highly recommended to stay in or near the hospital for the first 100 days. 

Here are some types of medical treatments that are generally required after the stem cell transplantation process is completed: 

• Isolation - conditioning affects the immune system's ability to protect the body from infection. Therefore, after undergoing transplantation, you need to stay in a room that has been cleaned with specific guidelines and maintain distance from others. 
• Anti-nausea medication and additional fluids - You may experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after undergoing transplantation.
• Immunosuppressive therapy - this medication will be given to reduce the risk of rejection of stem cells obtained from the donor. 
• Blood transfusion - you may receive transfusions to replace lost red blood cells and platelets.

Complications Risks of Stem Cell Transplant

Complications that may arise after the transplantation process vary from one person to another. It depends on age, medical history, body condition, and the type of transplantation received.

In most cases, allogeneic stem cell transplantation carries a higher risk of complications. Here are the risks that may arise:

• Graft vs. host disease (GvHD). A condition where donor stem cells perceive your body's cells as a threat. GvHD can be managed with immunosuppressive drugs.
• Stem cell failure.
• Organ damage.
• Infections.
• Cataracts.
• Infertility.
• New cancer.
• Death.

However, the success rate of this treatment method is relatively high. The risk of complications also can be minimized with professional examination, preparation, procedures, and post-procedural care.

So, there's no need to worry about undergoing this therapy and embracing better health.

If you have a desire or plan to have stem cell service, you can visit the Health Special Economic Zone, The Sanur. 

The Sanur embodies the concept of Holistic Wellness, featuring a number of integrated international clinics and five-star wellness facilities. 

This ensures your stem cell transplant process will be comprehensive, safe, and comfortable.