In a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, a patient's diseased bone marrow is destroyed by high doses of chemotherapy, and then healthy bone marrow stem cells are infused into the bloodstream.
The new stem cells migrate to the cavities of the large bones and begin producing healthy, normal blood cells. The type of transplant you receive depends on your disease and the availability of a suitable donor.
Types of Transplant
Autologous (self-transplant): Your own cells are collected and frozen for later use. Autologous transplants are most commonly performed for lymphomas, multiple myeloma, testicular cancer and leukemia.
Syngeneic (identical twin transplant): Stem cells are donated by an identical twin, which is an ideal donor because of the matching genetic identity between donor and recipient.
Allogeneic (donor transplant): Stem cells are collected from a relative or an unrelated donor whose tissue type matches closely with that of the patient, or from umbilical cord blood. Allogeneic transplants are most commonly done for leukemias and bone marrow or immune system failure diseases.
Bloodless transfusions: For patients requiring a bloodless stem cell transplantation, our transplant center specializes in doing what is known as bloodless autologous transplants where patients do not receive any allogenic blood or blood products after the stem cell reinfusion. The period of cytopenias is managed with growth factors and other drugs to prevent bleeding.
Winship experts describe the varous types of bone marrow transplants. (Video by Be the Match.)
Clinical Trials
Our researchers participate in national, international and institutional clinical trials, ensuring that our patients have access to the newest advances in stem cell biology, immunology and cancer medicine.
Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship. Through these trials, you may have access to treatments that are not widely available.
Request an Appointment
If you have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma or a related plasma cell disorder and are considering a bone marrow transplant at Winship's Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Center, call us at 1 (888) 946-7447 or (404) 778-1900 to request an appointment.
Refer a Patient
Referring physicians, please use the BMT referral line at 1 (800) 889-9616. For information about clinical trials through the Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Center, call (404) 778-3708 to speak with one of our research coordinators.