Transplants in
Cancer Treatment
Bone marrow and stem cell transplants, also called BMT and SCT, are sometimes part of treatment used against blood cancers including multiple myeloma, lymphoma (non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin), and leukemia.
Below, find answers to popular bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant questions and experiences shared by The Patient Story community.
General Transplant FAQ
Why Are Stem Cell Transplants Needed?
Though chemotherapy and radiation therapy are effective in killing cancer cells, these treatments also kill the bone marrow cells. This loss of bone marrow cells leads to the inability of the body to create new blood cells. Stem cell transplants are used to enable the patient to create new blood cells again.
What Sources Are Used for Stem Cell Transplants?
Stem cell transplants can be carried out from peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood from newborns, or bone marrow.
Transplant Stories and Experiences
Here are different bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant stories and experiences, as told by our TPS community members.
Bone Marrow Transplant Patient Experiences
Taja S., Polycythemia Vera
Symptoms: Chronic fatigue, fainting, stroke-like episodes, elevated hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count
Treatments: Emergency surgery for ruptured cyst & bowel obstruction, chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant
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Demetria J., Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) progressing to Myelofibrosis
Symptoms: Extreme fatigue, stomach pain (later identified as due to an enlarged spleen), dizziness, shortness of breath
Treatments: Spleen-shrinking medication, regular blood transfusions, bone marrow transplant
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Bryon D., Multiple Myeloma
Symptoms: Elevated protein levels in urine and blood, finger bone fracture that refused to heal
Treatments: Chemotherapy, autologous bone marrow transplant
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Krystal S., IgM kappa Multiple Myeloma, Stage 4
Initial Symptoms: Back and shoulder pain, tachycardia, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, fatigue, malaise
Treatment: Chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, CAR T-cell therapy
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Nolan W., T-Cell/Histiocyte-Rich Large B-Cell Lymphoma (T/HRBCL), Stage 4
Symptoms: Debilitating fatigue, flu-like symptoms without a fever, swollen lymph node under the left arm
Treatments: Chemotherapy (R-EPOCH & RICE), bone marrow transplant
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Stem Cell Transplant Patient Experiences
Daniel H., Hodgkin Lymphoma, Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Symptoms: Chain of small, itchy nodes on the neck
Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplants
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Jesse G., Early T‑cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ETP‑ALL)
Symptoms: Lump under the chin, progressive lymph node swelling above the clavicles, facial swelling, fatigue, malaise, “flu‑like” feeling
Treatments: Chemotherapy (hyper-CVAD, pediatric/AYA regimen), allogeneic stem cell transplant, donor lymphocyte infusion + nelarabine
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Alexia S., Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Symptoms: Night sweats, intense itching and rash on wrists, legs, and feet, fatigue and falling asleep mid-conversation, shortness of breath, dizziness, blurry vision, appearance of neck lump and chest mass
Treatments: Chemotherapy (ABVD, BV, and BEAM), immunotherapy (nivolumab), autologous stem cell transplant
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James B., Relapsed Hodgkin Lymphoma
Symptoms: Night sweats, itching, persistent lump in neck
Treatments: Chemotherapy (ABVD, ICE, and BEAM), autologous stem cell transplant
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Kate H., Hodgkin Lymphoma (Nodular Sclerosis), Stage 2
Symptoms: Severe persistent cold, shortness of breath during athletic activity, pale itchy skin, appearance of a lump in the neck
Treatments: Chemotherapy (ABVD and ICE), autologous stem cell transplant
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