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Netherlands: Transplantation

In the Netherlands, allogeneic stem cell transplants are carried out in a few specialised centres.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a clean empty room.
Figure 1.Transplant room — Netherlands: Transplantation

01Short answer

Transplant centres are usually university medical centres, often with European JACIE accreditation. The process includes a preparation talk, conditioning treatment, the cell infusion and a long recovery. After a transplant, infection protection, food safety (“Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) and regular follow-up matter especially.

02Simple explanation

Allogeneic: from a donor.

Autologous: from your own cells.

Recovery takes months.

03Scientific explanation

Accreditation: JACIE quality standards are set together with the EBMT.

GvHD: a reaction of donor cells against the body is monitored and treated.

04What happens in the body?

The room

On a transplant unit the air is filtered and visits may be limited.

The cells

New cells settle in the bone marrow and start making blood.

On a dark navy background, seeds of light in marrow.
Figure 2.Stem cells — Netherlands: Transplantation

Recovery

Follow-up continues for a long time after going home.

On a dark navy background, a road toward dawn.
Figure 3.Recovery path — Netherlands: Transplantation

05The transplant path

Four stages.

Talk — Plan and risks.1TalkPlan and risks.
Preparation — Conditioning.2PreparationConditioning.
Engraftment — New cells.3EngraftmentNew cells.
Follow-up — Long term.4Follow-upLong term.
ReadinessYou know what to expect.
SupportYour team is with you.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
The roomOn a transplant unit the air is filtered and visits may be limited.
The cellsNew cells settle in the bone marrow and start making blood.
RecoveryFollow-up continues for a long time after going home.

07Key terms

Stamceltransplantatie
Stem cell transplant.
Conditionering
Conditioning treatment.
GvHD
Graft-versus-host disease.
JACIE
Accreditation.

08Key points

  • Ask all your questions beforehand.
  • Set up a carer plan.
  • Follow the food rules.
  • Report a temperature at once.
  • Do not miss follow-up visits.

09Frequently asked questions

Who decides on a transplant?

The haematologist and transplant team; the decision is made with you.

How long will I stay in hospital?

Usually several weeks; the individual plan is up to your team.

When can I return to work?

It depends on recovery; often after months.

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. Who decides on a transplant?

  2. How long will I stay in hospital?

  3. When can I return to work?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Matchis. Dutch stem cell donor centre (in Dutch)
  2. HOVON (Dutch-Belgian Hemato-Oncology Foundation). Official website
  3. EBMT. European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
  4. EBMT / JACIE. JACIE accreditation
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
  6. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Seeking a Second Opinion
  7. WHO Regional Office for Europe. A declaration on the promotion of patients’ rights in Europe (1994)
  8. NCCN. NCCN Guidelines for Patients
  9. ESMO. ESMO Patient Guides
  10. American Cancer Society. Tests for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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