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Research and new methods

New conditioning: getting ready for a transplant

Conditioning is chemotherapy, sometimes with radiation, given before a transplant. It reduces leukaemia cells and makes room for the donor cells.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Preparing the field
Figure 1.Preparing the field.

01Short answer

Myeloablative (strong) conditioning destroys more leukaemia cells but is more toxic. Reduced-intensity regimens made transplants possible for older people and those with other illnesses; here the donor immune cells do most of the work. Research is exploring more targeted routes, such as radiation aimed only at the bone marrow and antibodies against stem cells. The team chooses the regimen based on the disease, age and overall health.

02Simple explanation

A preparation stage.

Strong or gentle.

An individual choice.

Targeted methods under study.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: a conditioning regimen is treatment given before a transplant.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Why it is needed

To reduce the leukaemia and prevent rejection.

Adjusting strength
Figure 2.Adjusting strength — New conditioning: getting ready for a transplant

Side effects

Mouth sores, nausea, infection risk and a risk of infertility.

A radiotherapy linear accelerator in a hospital treatment room
Figure 3.A radiotherapy machine

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Why it is neededTo reduce the leukaemia and prevent rejection.
Side effectsMouth sores, nausea, infection risk and a risk of infertility.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Myeloablative
Fully suppressing the bone marrow.
RIC
Reduced-intensity conditioning.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Is a gentler regimen better?

For some people; the relapse risk may be higher.

What about infertility risk?

Discuss it with your doctor beforehand.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

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.

  1. Is a gentler regimen better?

  2. What about infertility risk?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: conditioning regimen
  2. National Cancer Institute. Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  4. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  5. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). CAR T Cells: Engineering Patients’ Immune Cells to Treat Their Cancers
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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