Types of Stem Cell Transplants – WebMD

By Judith Sachs WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Arnold Wax, MD

There are two basic types of stem cell transplants and several good sources for these cells. You and your doctor will decide together on the best choice for you. The main types are:

This type of transplant uses your own stem cells. Most transplants for multiple myeloma and relapsed non-Hodgkin's or Hodgkin lymphoma are autologous.

Advantages: Less risk of rejection or graft-versus-host disease, in which the new donor cells think your cells are foreign and attack them. Quicker engraftment. Fewer side effects.

Disadvantages: Some cancer cells may remain; cancer-killing effect ends after you have chemotherapy or radiation.

How It Works:

In a tandem (double autologous) transplant, you go through the above process twice instead of once, with a three- to six-month break in between. For multiple myeloma, a tandem transplant has a slightly higher success rate than a single transplant. However, recent clinical trials show that using your own cells once, followed by reduced intensity conditioning treatment and then a transplant from a sibling, offers even longer remissions than tandem.

This type of transplant uses a donor's stem cells, either from a relative or a volunteer registered with the National Marrow Donor Program or other registry. It is less common than autologous transplants. It's used for many leukemias, aggressive lymphomas, and failed autologous transplants.

Advantages: The transplanted stem cells are cancer-free. Because the transplant creates a new immune system, the cancer-killing effect continues after the transplant.

Disadvantages: Your body may see the donor stem cells as foreign and reject or react against them. Slower engraftment. More side effects

How It Works:

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Types of Stem Cell Transplants - WebMD