Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants use donor stem cells to restore a patient’s marrow and blood cells. There are several ways donor stem cells can be used for these transplants. The BMT allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants performed here are matched siblings with the same parents. Syngeneic donors are identical twins.

Other institutions perform cord blood and unmatched allogeneic stem cell transplants. In the event a patient needs and allogeneic transplant and does not have a matched sibling, a referral will be offered to the patient.

Who is a Candidate?

High-dose chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant is a treatment option for both patients with newly- diagnosed disease and for those who have already received other treatments.

In general, patients with good performance status, adequate kidney function and minimal comorbidity are eligible. The donor must also be in good health and meet blood donor standards.

Donor will have evaluation for eligibility, collection of stem cells through peripheral blood process. The stem cells are frozen until used for the patient’s allogeneic stem cell transplant.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Finding a suitable match for the donor can be difficult. The allogeneic transplant recipient may achieve complete remission of the disease (blood cancer) following this type of transplant.

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) may affect the patient. Measures are taken to prevent GVHD complications following these transplants.

Accreditation

The BMT Allogeneic transplant program is currently in the process of accreditation for the Allogeneic Transplants through the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy