What should you expect with an autologous bone marrow transplant?
An autologous bone marrow transplant uses your own stem cells to help you recover after high-dose chemotherapy. Here's what typically happens:
The Process:
* Healthy stem cells are collected from your bone marrow or blood before treatment begins
* You'll Show Full Answer
What should you expect with an autologous bone marrow transplant?
An autologous bone marrow transplant uses your own stem cells to help you recover after high-dose chemotherapy. Here's what typically happens:
The Process:
* Healthy stem cells are collected from your bone marrow or blood before treatment begins
* You'll receive high-dose chemotherapy (sometimes called salvage chemotherapy) to kill lymphoma cells and clear space in your bone marrow
* The collected stem cells are then returned to your body through an IV infusion
* This allows you to tolerate higher doses of chemotherapy than would otherwise be possible
Potential Side Effects:
Common side effects you might experience include:
* Nausea and vomiting
* Mouth sores
* Increased risk of infection
* Inflammation in the lungs
Who It's For:
This procedure is most commonly recommended as a second-line treatment if lymphoma returns after initial therapy. It's typically offered to younger patients who have already responded well to chemotherapy, though age and other health conditions are considered when determining if you're a good candidate.
The recovery period requires close monitoring, and you'll need to take extra precautions against infections, including following strict food safety guidelines during your recovery.
January 9