What are the Steps Involved in a Stem Cell Transplant?
1. Collection: Stem cells are collected either from the patient (autologous transplant) or a donor (allogeneic transplant). This is typically done through the bone marrow or peripheral blood. 2. Conditioning: The patient undergoes chemotherapy or radiation to destroy diseased cells and suppress the immune system. 3. Infusion: The collected stem cells are infused into the patient’s bloodstream where they travel to the bone marrow to engraft and produce new, healthy cells. 4. Engraftment and Recovery: The new stem cells begin to grow and produce healthy blood cells. Histological analysis is often used during this phase to assess the integration and functionality of the transplanted cells.
