Stem cell transplant for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Stem cell transplantation is sometimes used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). It is used to replace stem cells when bone marrow or stem cells are damaged. Stem cell transplantation is a very risky and complex procedure that must be carried out in a transplant centre or hospital.
Stem cells are found in the bone marrow, blood circulation and umbilical cord. Stem cells are the base cells that transform into different types of cells that have distinct functions. All blood cells come from blood stem cells.
In a stem cell transplant, high-dose chemotherapy is administered or total body irradiation is done to destroy all cells in the bone marrow. This includes healthy cells and lymphoma cells. As a result of high-dose chemotherapy, healthy stem cells are given to replace those that have been destroyed in the bone marrow.
Stem cell transplants can be used to treat the NHL if:
It is a high-risk NHL that is in remission after treatment;
It reappears after treatment (NHL recurrent);
It is refractory, that is, the treatments have ceased to be effective.
Types of transplants for the NHL
The types of stem cell grafts that follow to treat the NHL can be used.
Autograft
In the case of autografting, stem cells are taken from your blood or bone marrow.
It is the autografting of stem cells that is most often performed to treat the NHL. However, it is possible that some types of NHL that have spread to bone marrow or blood may not be able to do autografts since it might be difficult to collect normal stem cells.
Allograft
In the case of allograft, stem cells are taken from one person (donor) to administer to another person (recipient). The donor may be related or not to the recipient. Compatibility between the donor and recipient is determined through a process called histocompatibility antigen typing (HLA typing).
Not all people can receive a allograft since the donor must be compatible. This is the type of stem cell transplant that can be done if the NHL has spread to the bone marrow or blood.
Reduced intensity graft
Some older people or other medical conditions are not able to tolerate the side effects of the high doses of chemotherapy that are administered prior to the stem cell transplant. It is therefore possible to offer a reduced-intensity transplant, also called a micrograft or non-myéloablative graft. Lower doses of chemotherapy are then administered before the transplant. Reduced-intensity grafting may also be the preferred graft type for some types of NHL.
Effects
Regardless of the NHL treatment, side effects may occur, but each person feels differently.
Side effects can occur at any time during, immediately after or a few days or even weeks after stem cell transplant. Side effects occur months or years after stem cell transplant (late effects). Most side effects are disappearing on their own or can be treated, but some may last for a long time or be permanent.
The side effects of stem cell grafting depend mainly on the type of chemotherapeutic agent or drug association used, the previous administration of a radiotherapy, the type of graft practiced and your state of health Global. The frequent side effects of stem cell transplant are among other things:
Infection
Low number of blood cells
Graft vs. host reaction (GVH)
Digestive system Disorders
The side effects of stem cell transplant can be really serious or even endanger life. The care team closely monitors the person receiving a stem cell transplant. We take the necessary steps to prevent side effects and treat them quickly if they occur. Notify your care team if you experience these side effects or others that you believe are related to the transplant. The sooner you tell them about any problems, the quicker they can say how to help relieve them.
Questions to ask about stem cell transplant
Learn more about stem cell grafting and the side effects of stem cell grafting. To make the right decisions for you, ask questions about stem cell transplant to your healthcare team.
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