Conditioning
Conditioning is the strong treatment given in the days before a transplant.
01Short answer
02Simple explanation
Topic. conditioning.
Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.
Write down. Your questions.
Overview. The article “Stem cell transplant”.
03Scientific explanation
Myeloablative: the marrow is fully cleared; stronger, for younger and fitter people.
Reduced-intensity: gentler; relies more on the donor immune effect.
04What happens in the body?
Conditioning
It has three aims: to reduce remaining leukaemia cells, to "make room" in the marrow for new cells, and in an allogeneic transplant to weaken immunity so the donor cells are not rejected. Chemotherapy is given, sometimes with total body irradiation. Intensity is chosen by age, fitness and leukaemia type: myeloablative or reduced-intensity.
In more detail
Myeloablative: the marrow is fully cleared; stronger, for younger and fitter people. Reduced-intensity: gentler; relies more on the donor immune effect.
The overview
This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “Stem cell transplant”.
05Conditioning: the steps
Four steps.
06Intensity
| Type | For whom | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Myeloablative | Younger, fitter | Strongest anti-leukaemia effect |
| Reduced-intensity | Older or with other illness | Less toxicity |
| With irradiation | Some ALL cases | Whole body |
07Key terms
- Conditioning
- Treatment before a transplant.
- Day 0
- The day the cells are given.
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
What will I feel?
Nausea, tiredness, later mouth sores; your team manages these.
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.
What will I feel?
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
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
- Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2018. Platelet Transfusion for Patients With Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Update
- British Journal of Haematology, 2020. Guidelines on the use of irradiated blood components
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). Nausea and Vomiting and Cancer Treatment
- American Cancer Society. Long-term and Late Effects of Cancer
- Children’s Oncology Group. Survivorship
- NHS. Intensive care
- Intensive Care Society. What is intensive care?