Introduction

The section on HSC transplantation has been subdivided in 5 themes that are accessible through the links in the side bar. Many of these themes have points in common with the other types of transplantation. (see the ? to read more)

Transplantation of hematopoïetic stem cells (HSCT) is a well established therapy for hematological diseases such as leukemia or inborn errors of the hematological lineages and/or of the immune system. Autologous HSCT can be used to rescue the hematopoïesis of patients that are to receive high-dose chemotherapy that will destroy their HSC. In allogeneic HSCT transplantation HSC from a donor are infused to replace the affected HSC of the patient. In the latter situation, the differences (incompatibilities) between donor and recipient are recognized by the immune system, which may cause graft rejection or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) .

N° TRANSPLANTS

Recipient and transplantation

This section describes the different steps of an HSC transplantation starting from the decision to treat to the engraftment of the infused donor cells. The indications to transplant as well as the different sources of stem cells are also discussed. Read more ...

Donor and compatibility

Best results are obtained when donor and recipient are compatible. Donor selection is thus an important part of the transplant procedure and when no suitable donor is available, transplantation may no longer be considered as the first-choice therapeutical option. Read more ...

Transplantation barriers

Recognition and attack by the immune system of incompatible tissues is at the basis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or graft rejection. Tissue incompatibilities are also referred to as transplantation barriers. The section "Transplantation barriers" explains which molecules are recognized as well as the underlying mechanisms. Read more ...

Immunosuppression

Immunosuppression is given as prophylaxis for GVHD. When no GVHD occurs, immunosuppression is usually discontinued after 1-2 months. Read more ...

Post-transplant

A successful reconstitution of the recipient's hematological lineages which includes the generation of a new immune system from the donor stem cells is essential to the survival and post-transplant quality of life of the recipient. Read more ...
Complications after allogeneic HSC transplantation are frequent. One of the most important is GVHD that is caused by the recognition of the patient's incompatible tissues by the co-transfused immune system of the donor. Furthermore, because the restoration of the immune system is slow, infections that can be life-threatening are common. Read more ...