Bone marrow transplants, also called stem cell transplantation, attempt to give the patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia a healthy source of bone marrow. Healthy bone marrow “stem cells” are the “primitive” or “immature” cells that form all blood cells. These stem cells, when given to the patient, may help to create new bone marrow, restore blood cell production, and improve the patient’s immune system function. They may also help to strengthen the patient when high-dose chemotherapy is prescribed. The ultimate goal of bone marrow transplants, in most cases, is to attempt to cure the leukemia.
Before performing the transplant, healthy stem cells are first removed from the patient or a donor. They are typically frozen and preserved until they are needed. During the procedure, 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 main 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 (www.marrow.org).
Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation can be difficult on the patient. 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. These drugs risk causing damage to other organs of the body or making the patient vulnerable to infection. Patients are also vulnerable to infection and bleeding until the transplanted stem cells have created sufficient new red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
CML patients may be recommended for a “mini-allogeneic” transplantation, which is less rigorous than a regular allogeneic transplantation and has shown success in some CML patients who undergo the procedure.
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.
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 chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and benzene. Please discuss your health-related questions and concerns with your doctor.
Benzene can cause chronic myelogenous leukemia and other blood cancers and disorders. If you have been diagnosed with CML leukemia 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 CML.
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