Recipient & TransplantationHSC transplantation is multi step treatment which consists of a transfusion of HSC given to patients whose HSC have been attenuated by a conditioning. The reinfused donor HSC will home to the patient's bone marrow to reconstitute all hematological lineages. After allogeneic HSC transplantation with a classical myeloablative conditioning, all bone marrow-derived cells will be of donor type. IndicationsHSC transplantation is indicated for hematological malignancies (leukemia's and lymphomas), primary immune deficiencies and inherited or acquired bone marrow deficiencies (such as severe forms of thalassemia or severe aplastic anemia). Read more... Pre transplant evaluation (decision to treat)Because the risk of transplant related morbidity or mortality of HSC transplantation is considerable, it is indicated only for life-threatening diseases. Before the decision to treat is made, the physician will compare the prospects of other therapies available with the prospects of HSC transplantation. The identification of a suitable donor is an important factor in the decision to treat. Read more... Conditioning
Before transplantation, a strong conditioning (often high dose chemotherapy in combination with total body irradiation (TBI) is given that helps to further eliminate the patient's disease and to create space in the patient's bone marrow so that the reinfused HSC can take their place. In addition, this treatment destroys the patient's immune system that would otherwise reject the graft. Thereafter, the severely immunosuppressed patient is at high risk of infections and must receive antibiotics prophylactically and a sterile environment may be needed to minimize the contact with pathogens. Read more... TransplantationTransplantation consists of a simple intravenous infusion of donor stem cells (either from bone marrow or more often nowadays from peripheral blood) through a classical transfusion (no surgery is involved). Read more...
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