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
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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Advances in GVHD Treatments and Clinical Trials
Hematologist-oncologists Dr. Satyajit Kosuri and Dr. Shernan Holtan, patient advocate Meredith Cowden, and LLS clinical trial nurse navigator Ashley Giacobbi discuss the role clinical trials play in advancing the GVHD treatment landscape.
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Emily T.
Symptoms: Nosebleeds, fever, chills, small red spots all over the body
Treatment: Chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant
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Symptoms: Itchy feet, legs & torso, sleeplessness, bad cough, lump on neck Treatment: Chemo, immunotherapy, bone marrow transplant
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Stem Cell Transplant Patient Experiences
Tim H., Multiple Myeloma
Symptoms: None that could be identified; cancer found through CT scan for gallbladder removal
Treatment: Chemotherapy: Revlimid, Velcade, and Dexamethasone; Darzalex, Kyprolis, and Dexamethasone; Stem cell transplant)
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Theresa T.
Diagnosis: Multiple myeloma, relapsed/refractory
Subtype: IgG kappa Light Chain
Initial Symptom: Extreme pain in right hip
Treatment: Chemotherapy, CAR T-cell therapy, stem cell transplant, radiation
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Laura E.
Symptom: Increasing back pain
Treatments: Chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, bispecific antibodies
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