Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Myeloma

Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Myeloma: An Overview

A stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma allows a person to receive high doses of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of both. High doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy destroy both myeloma cells and normal blood cells in the bone marrow. Therefore, patients will need healthy stem cells (from a stem cell transplant), which will create new blood cells. In a stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma, stem cells are transplanted through a flexible tube placed in a large vein in the neck or chest area. Stem cell transplants are performed in the hospital, and some patients will need more than one transplant.

 

Where Do the Stem Cells Come From?

Stem cells may come from the patient or from a donor. Types of transplants include:

 

• Autologous stem cell transplantation: This type of transplant uses the patient's own stem cells. The stem cells are removed from the patient, treated to kill myeloma cells that may be present, and then frozen and stored. After the patient receives high-dose treatment, the stored stem cells are thawed and returned to the patient.

 

• Allogeneic stem cell transplantation: Sometimes healthy stem cells from a donor are available. The patient's brother, sister, or parent may be the donor, or the stem cells may come from an unrelated donor. Doctors will use blood tests to make sure that the donor's cells match the patient's cells.

 

• Syngeneic stem cell transplantation: This type of stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma uses stem cells from the patient's healthy identical twin.