What is stem cell transplantation?
During a stem cell transplant, a patient's diseased or damaged bone marrow is replaced with healthy blood stem cells. Patients first receive chemotherapy and/or radiation to eliminate diseased cells and make space in the bone marrow. The stem cells are then given which make their way to the space in the bone marrow and start producing healthy blood cells.
Conditioning regimen
The conditioning regimen is the treatment your child will receive to prepare the body for the transplant. The goal of the conditioning is to allow the new bone marrow to take over in your child's body. The conditioning regimen will include either chemotherapy alone or in combination with radiation therapy. While the goal of the conditioning regimen is to kill the abnormal stem cells, unfortunately other healthy cells are killed.
Transplant
After the conditioning regimen your child will receive an infusion of blood forming cells, (often referred to as bone marrow or stem cells) though a central line in much the same way that any blood product is administered. This infusion is definitely a milestone event. While it is usually a brief and uncomplicated procedure, some patients occasionally experience serious side effects that require treatment. The transplanted cells move into the spaces inside your bones where they create new marrow. They grow and make healthy new red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.When the transplanted cells begin to grow and make new blood cells, this is called engraftment.
Side effects
Many side effects of transplant are due to healthy cells being destroyed by chemotherapy/radiation, and the new cells growing in the body. Common side effects include:
- Mouth sores (or oral mucositis)
- Hair loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever/infection
- Skin breakdown
Your child will be given medication to prevent and relieve symptoms caused by the conditioning regimen.