Bone marrow transplants, also called stem cell transplantation, replace blood-forming cells in the bone marrow that are abnormal or destroyed by cancer treatment. Healthy bone marrow “stem cells” (the “primitive” or “immature” cells that form all blood cells) are removed from the patient or a donor. These reinfused stem cells help to create new bone marrow, restore blood cell production, and improve the patient’s immune system function.
Bone marrow transplants are usually performed after chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The healthy stem cells are injected into the patient’s bloodstream in a procedure called an “infusion.” The stem cells then travel to the bone marrow, where they reproduce and replace the destroyed blood elements. Growth-stimulating factors may also be administered to help speed the regeneration of the cells in the bone marrow.
The two types of bone marrow transplantation are called “allogeneic” (meaning the stem cells come from a donor) and “autologous” (meaning the stem cells are taken from the patient).
Allogeneic bone marrow (stem cell) transplant
In an allogeneic bone marrow transplant, a healthy person donates stem cells to the patient. Your medical professionals will try to find the best donor “match” for you as possible. The ideal match is an identical twin. Other siblings may provide a good match, as well. Unrelated donors might also be available through the National Marrow Donor Program.
Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation can be difficult on the patient and potentially dangerous. It is a more common treatment in people under the age of 60, who are more likely to tolerate the rigorous procedure. There is a risk that the donor’s cells may be rejected by the patient’s body. Another risk is the suppression of the immune system by the use of special drugs. These drugs are given so that any immune system cells not killed by chemotherapy and radiation will not attack and cause rejection of the stem cells.
Autologous bone marrow (stem cell) transplant
In an autologous (self) bone marrow transplant, healthy stem cells are taken from the patient’s own blood or bone marrow and given back to the patient. The advantages of autologous transplants are that since the patient’s own cells are being used, there is no risk of the cells being rejected by the body. And because this risk does not exist, there is no need to use drugs to suppress the immune system.
The risks of autologous bone marrow transplants include the risk of infection and bleeding until the cells generate a sufficient number of healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. There is also the risk that the transplant may inadvertently place some of the patient’s cancerous cells back into the body.
This Web site is sponsored by the law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. Please understand that the information provided is not medical advice, but is simply offered as a resource to help you learn about acute myelogenous (myeloid) leukemia (AML) and benzene. Please discuss your health-related questions and concerns with your doctor.
Benzene can cause acute myelogenous leukemia and other blood cancers and disorders. If you have been diagnosed with AML and would like information about your legal rights, please call us at 800-946-9646 or e-mail us at
Please also visit our glossary for helpful definitions of medical terms relating to the diagnosis and treatment of AML.
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