Lurie Cancer Center - Topic of the Month: Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant

Cancer Information > Topic of the Month > Genetic Testing & Counseling

Educational Opportunity

Cancer CONNECTION Day
Spotlight: Blood cancers & stem cell / bone marrow transplantation
Sept. 9, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Galter Pavilion, 21st Floor Conference Room
675 N. St. Clair
No charge-all are welcome
www.cancer.northwestern.edu/events/index.cfm

What is a Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant?
Stem cells are cells in the bone marrow that make all of the body's blood cells. Stem cell transplants are used to restore the stem cells when the bone marrow has been destroyed by disease, chemotherapy (chemo), or radiation. Depending on the source of the stem cells, this procedure may be called a bone marrow transplant, a peripheral blood stem cell transplant, or a cord blood transplant.

What are Stem Cells and Why Are They Important?
Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. In addition, in many tissues they serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.
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When do People Need Stem Cell Transplants?
Stem cell transplants are regularly used in treatment of the following cancers - Leukemia (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia), Lymphoma (Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas, such as Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Mantle Cell Lymphoma and Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma), Multiple Myeloma and Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Stem cell transplants may also be considered for patients with Aplastic Anemia, Myelofibrosis, Fanconi's Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia and some solid tumors.
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How does Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Work?
Blood and marrow transplantation is a medical (not a surgical) procedure, lasting weeks to months from start to finish, in which diseased marrow (a spongy, fatty tissue found on the inside of larger bones) or immune system is replaced by a healthier one. For people with cancer, the goal is to destroy every last cancer cell. For people with genetic diseases, the goal is correction of the underlying genetic disease. To accomplish these goals, the bone marrow must be replaced and/or treated. And in order to accomplish that goal, the doctor will first collect stem cells that will replace the destroyed tissue.
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What are the Different Types of Stem Cell Transplants?
There are 3 basic types of stem cell transplants: autologous, allogeneic, and syngeneic. Where the stem cells come from determines the type of transplant.
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Why is There a Need for Donors and How Do I Become One?
Patients need donors who are a genetic match. Even with a registry of millions, many patients cannot find a match. Donors with diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds are especially needed. The first step to become a bone marrow donor is to join the Be The Match Registry. Doctors around the world search our registry to find a match for their patients. If a doctor selects you as a match for a patient, you may be asked to donate bone marrow or cells from circulating blood (called PBSC donation). Patients need donors between the ages of 18 and 60 who meet health guidelines and are willing to donate to any patient in need.
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