Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (or bone marrow transplantation as it is more commonly known) is a specialised procedure, which is effective in treating many types of cancers as well as some non- malignant conditions. More than one million transplants have been performed around the world since the early 1950’s, and the success of the procedure is dependent on the skill and experience of the multidisciplinary transplant team.
At PCC Haematology and Stem Cell Transplant Centre, our transplant specialists have trained and worked in some of the notable transplant centres in the world. They have extensive experience in bone marrow transplants in both adult and paediatric patients.
Our services include:
Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Using bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells from the patient
Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Using stem cells from:
- Related donors
- Unrelated donors
- Umbilical cord blood
- Haplo-identical donors (usually parents of the patient)
We utilise treatment protocols, which are individually tailored to each patient’s medical condition to ensure that toxicities are minimised. As part of their treatment plan, patients will have access to novel immunotherapy and chemotherapy before and after the transplant to maximise the success of their transplant.
To deliver complete and coordinated care, our transplant specialists are supported by a dedicated patient care team including transplant-trained nurses, counsellors, dietitians and other professionals.
What is HAEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION?
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (or bone marrow transplantation as it is commonly termed) refers to a highly specialised procedure where stem cells are transplanted into the body for treatment of cancers and blood disorders. Over a million transplants have been performed since the procedure was accepted in the early 1950s and ongoing research continues to advance its treatment efficacy.
Stem cells are cells that have two specific and unique properties – the ability to renew by dividing themselves and creating more stem cells of their kind; and the ability to mature into specialised cells that carry out a specific function. Because haematopoietic stem cells can grow into any of the cells found in the bloodstream, they can produce the cells that the body and immune system need in order to function. This makes stem cell transplantation an exciting medical advancement.
What conditions can benefit from stem cell transplantation?
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been used successfully around the world in the treatment of certain cancers as well as blood and autoimmune disorders, including:
Adults
- Leukaemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
- Aplastic Anaemia
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Certain solid tumours
Children
- Neuroblastoma and other Advanced Solid Tumours
- Thalassemia
- Sickle Cell Anaemia
- Congenital Bone Marrow Failure
- Osteopetrosis
- Primary Immunodeficiencies
- Metabolic Diseases
- Leukaemia
- Lymphoma
- Aplastic Anaemia
- Autoimmune Disorders
Is stem cell transplantation safe? What is involved?
Even though stem cell transplantation has been proven to be a life-saving treatment, there are associated risks. These risks will be clearly explained to the patients and caregivers before they consent to the procedure. The process, in brief, involves three main stages.
- Conditioning– The patient receives chemotherapy and/or radiation to kill the diseased cells and to change the immune system.
- Infusion– Healthy stem cells are infused into the body to replace the damaged cells. This is a non-surgical procedure similar to blood transfusion.
- Engraftment– The transplanted stem cells begin to grow and produce healthy red and white blood cells and platelets over the course of two to four weeks.