Autologous transplant
In an autologous transplant your own stem cells are collected, stored and returned after high-dose treatment.
01Short answer
02Simple explanation
Topic. autologous transplant.
Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.
Write down. Your questions.
Overview. The article “Stem cell transplant”.
03Scientific explanation
Mobilisation: growth factor moves stem cells from marrow into the blood.
Limitation: collected cells may contain hidden leukaemia cells.
04What happens in the body?
Autologous transplant
Cells are collected from the blood by apheresis after growth factor injections, then frozen. Strong chemotherapy is given and your own cells are returned so the marrow can recover. No donor is needed and there is no rejection, but there is also no graft-versus-leukaemia effect. So it is used rarely in leukaemia and more in myeloma and lymphoma.
In more detail
Mobilisation: growth factor moves stem cells from marrow into the blood. Limitation: collected cells may contain hidden leukaemia cells.
The overview
This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “Stem cell transplant”.
05Autologous transplant: the steps
Four steps.
06Auto versus allo
| Feature | Autologous | Allogeneic |
|---|---|---|
| Donor | Not needed | Needed |
| GVHD risk | None | Present |
| Immune effect against leukaemia | None | Present |
07Key terms
- Mobilisation
- Moving stem cells into the blood.
- Apheresis
- Collecting cells from the blood.
08Key points
- Everyone’s plan is individual.
- Write down and bring your questions.
- Report new symptoms early.
- Do not change medicines yourself.
- For food, see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”.
- Overview: “Stem cell transplant”.
09Frequently asked questions
Why am I offered allogeneic rather than autologous?
In leukaemia the donor’s immune effect is often important.
Is this the same for everyone?
No; the plan depends on the type of leukaemia and your situation.
Where is the overview?
In the article “Stem cell transplant”.
10Questions for your doctor
Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.
Why am I offered allogeneic rather than autologous?
Is this the same for everyone?
Where is the overview?
12Sources
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Stem Cell Transplants in Cancer Treatment
- MedlinePlus. Bone Marrow Transplantation
- MedlinePlus. Leukemia
- Cancer Research UK. Stem cell and bone marrow transplants
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Bone marrow transplant
- NMDP. What is a Bone Marrow or Blood Stem Cell Transplant
- Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2022. Indications for haematopoietic cell transplantation for haematological diseases, solid tumours and immune disorders: current practice in Europe, 2022
- New England Journal of Medicine, 2017. Pathophysiology of Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease and Therapeutic Targets
- Cancer Research UK. Central lines
- Cancer Research UK. PICC Lines (Peripherally inserted central catheter)