What exactly is stem cell transplant?

Stem cells reside in each person's bone marrow. Additionally, they rotate in people's blood from the bone marrow. Bone marrow stem cells come to be red or white blood cells, also known as platelets. This helps someone's body maintain its health. Damaged stem cells lead to irregular blood cells. Should stem cells be harmed or destroyed, the entire body malfunctions. That's the reason an allogeneic stem cell transplant is important.

Allogeneic stem cell transplants mean that stem cells from somebody else are used to balance a body's stem cells. Donors could be unknown towards recipient even though relatives are more likely to present stem cells which can work without numerous issues. This is different from having one's own stem cells being replanted, which is called an autologous transplant. Those stem cells can be found in the person's own blood or in a newborn's umbilical cord.

Allogeneic bone marrow transplant are used to restore bone marrow that has been depleted through radiation cures or high chemotherapy levels in cancer treatment. They are utilized to manage diseases including:

•Hodgkin's Lymphoma

•Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

•Multiple Myeloma

•Leukemia

•Aplastic Anemia

Scientists will continue to test the application of allogeneic stem cells for treatment of other disorders like thalassemia, sickle cell anemia and adult onset diabetes. Physicians say allogeneic bone marrow transplant complications could lead to patients over 70 years old or with other problems like heart disease, abnormal kidneys, and livers.

Patients are assessed ready for stem cell transplants depending on how intense the cancer is and which parts of the body have already been affected. Relapsed cancer patients can be at risk for allogeneic bone marrow transplant complications.

Critical complications may happen following stem cell transplants including:

•Graft vs. Host Disease -- New cells may harm old cells

•Graft Rejection -- Body may not accept new cells

•Infections -- These can be life-threatening

•Veno-Occlusive Disease -- Serious liver complications

Allogeneic bone marrow transplant cost is significant. While an autologous stem cell transplant procedure might cost from $50,000 to $100,000, an allogeneic bone marrow transplant cost is $150,000 to $200,000, according to the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link. Price varies based upon which treatment facility is being used along with other factors.

Additional allogeneic bone marrow transplant cost is because of the following:

•Donor Search Fees -- Donors, cord blood unit tests

•Donor Test Fees -- Compatibility testing

•Donor Typing -- Lab test fees

•Follow-up Visits -- Office fees

•Home Care, Childcare -- Post-transplant costs

•Prescriptions, Medications -- Related supplies

Actual selection of cells and travel expenses can be in the range of $15,000 to $50,000 for allogeneic donations. Donors aren't paid, but generally their medical and traveling prices are covered by health care insurance. Other expenses may come out of pocket for those getting stem cell transplants. The operation itself is expensive and insurance companies differ greatly about how much they cover. It's also difficult to predict just how much post-transplant expenses will cost you.

Stem cells from donors or umbilical cord blood typically take two to three weeks to take hold. Patients may need to spend a month, or higher, in the hospital following an allogeneic stem cell transplant. About one-quarter of such patients will have to be readmitted to the hospital during the first three months following surgery because of problems. Patients out of the hospital have to proceed seeing a doctor to observe progress and take medicine for approximately six months time.

Success of an allogeneic stem cell transplant is dependent upon overall patient health and age in addition to donor match compatibility, the disease being treated, and illness stage.. Additional complications within a week to 10 days of surgery might include:

•Hair loss

•Mouth Sores

•Bleeding

•Diarrhea

•Nausea, Vomiting

•Pneumonia

•Shingles

•Herpes Simplex

•Depression

•Infertility

Serious complications over the long run could include stem cell failure and diseases due to new stem calls attacking older ones. Should this happen within 3 months of surgery, it's known as graft-versus-host disease, or GVHD. Chronic GVHD will last for as many as three years. Veno-occlusive disease can include swelling and tenderness in the liver, weight gain and jaundice. 

Nearly 12 million people around the world are registered as potential stem cell donors. They often are 18 to 60 years old. Most hospitals can't perform procedure, so potential recipients must see a facility with proper tools and trained personnel.