Stem cell transplant has now become an important treatment option for a variety of serious medical conditions including cancers and disorders of the blood. As India’s health infrastructure steadily develops, access to advanced therapies improves with the support of the country’s best facilities. This article covers major types of stem cell transplants available in the country and their application areas.
Autologous Stem Cell Transplant
Definition: An autologous transplant involves collecting stem cells from the patient’s own body, where the transplant will occur. Doctors primarily obtain these cells through bone marrow or peripheral blood harvest.
Procedure:
Collection: Healthcare providers collect stem cells through a process called apheresis, in which they draw blood, separate the stem cells, and then collect them.
Treatment: The treatment often includes the administration of high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy cancerous cells.
Reinfusion: After treatment, doctors return the extracted stem cells to the patient through reinfusion to restore healthy blood cell production.
Applications:
Generally used in diseases such as multiple myeloma, certain lymphomas, and selected solid tumors.
Particularly beneficial for younger patients with fewer underlying health issues.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
Definition: Allogeneic stem cell transplants use a donor’s stem cells, which can come from either a related or unrelated donor. In this process, healthcare providers use HLA typing to assess compatibility between the recipient and the donor.
Procedure:
Donor Search: It can take months or even years, using lists of volunteer donors, to search for an appropriate donor.
Conditioning: Like autologous transplants, doctors administer a preparatory regimen to patients to clear the way for the new cells in the body.
Transplantation: Infusion of the donor’s stem cells into the patient’s circulation.
Applications:
Primarily used for the treatment of blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, and severe aplastic anemia.
Also applies to some genetic disorders and deficiencies of the immune system.
3. Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant
Definition: This type uses stem cells taken from the umbilical cord and the placenta after birth. Collected stem cells obtained from this are rich in hematopoietic or blood-forming stem cells.
Procedure:
Collection: Healthcare providers collect cord blood immediately after birth without harming the baby or mother in any way.
Storage and Matching: Doctors can store collected stem cells in cord blood banks for future use, making it easier to find the right match for a patient in need.
Applications:
Indicated for the same conditions as allogeneic transplantation, provided that a suitable HLA matched donor is not available.
Researchers increasingly recognize its potential to treat various blood disorders and certain metabolic diseases.
Conclusion
Stem cell transplantation is a potential lighthouse of hope for critically ill patients. Emerging medical technologies and increasing expertise in India make this modality of treatment more accessible. The understanding regarding the types of stem cell transplant will enlighten the patients and their families in arriving at a decision with the health care provider.
If you or a loved one is considering stem cell transplantation it’s crucial to consult with a specialized medical team to determine the best course of action tailored to individual health needs.
