Stem Cell Transplant

Since June 1999, Guthrie Cancer Center has been offering a breakthrough treatment for cancer patients suffering from metastatic breast cancer, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukemia. A procedure known as a peripheral blood stem cell transplant may be the best treatment option for patients with these types of cancers. Stem cells are the initial state of all blood component cells before they become white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets. They are also the key to regenerating blood and bone marrow, which in cancer patients is either contaminated due to the cancer or is destroyed during high-dose chemotherapy treatments. A stem cell transplant is similar to a bone marrow transplant, except that the patient donates his/her own cells instead of relying on donor material.

Several weeks prior to chemotherapy, the cancer patient is given injections of a growth-factor drug called Neupogen. Presence of this agent within the bloodstream encourages the formation of more stem cells and causes the stem cells to move out of the bone marrow into circulation. This increases the amount of stem cells that can be harvested at each blood donation session, reducing the overall number of donations required. At these sessions, the patient’s blood is circulated through an apheresis machine, which separates the white blood cells, red blood cells, plasma and stem cells. Stem cells are collected and the other blood components are filtered back into the patient’s bloodstream.

Once enough stem cells have been collected, they are frozen for future use while the patient undergoes high-dose chemotherapy. A few days after the patient’s high-dose chemotherapy treatment, the stem cells are slowly thawed and transfused back into the patient’s bloodstream. Once in the patient’s bloodstream, the stem cells begin to recreate the immune system destroyed by the high-dose chemotherapy. Stem cell transplant is considered successful when platelet and white blood cell counts return to normal – one Guthrie patient achieved this within two weeks of his refusion! Because the stem cells come from the patient’s own bloodstream, there is little risk of rejection of the new cells.

This type of cancer treatment is not appropriate for all types of cancer, and it is usually reserved for patients requiring especially aggressive treatment. Guthrie’s stem cell program has treated four patients, and has several other candidates preparing for treatment.

For more information about stem cell transplant at Guthrie’s Cancer Center, call toll-free 1-888-4GUTHRIE (1-888-448-8474).

Stem Cell Mini-Glossary

white blood cells – germ-fighting cells in the blood

red blood cells – the cells in the blood that carry oxygen

platelets – fragments of large cells in the bone marrow that cause clotting at the site of injury

stem cells – the initial state of all cells before they become white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets

apheresis – process by which blood is removed from the body and separated into its major components – red blood cells and platelets, plasma, white blood cells and stem cells

peripheral blood stem cell transplant – removal of stem cells from the bloodstream and transfusion of them back into the patient following high-dose chemotherapy in order to promote recovery

plasma – a waterous substance that transports white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets throughout the body