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
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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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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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., Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia (CN-AML) with NPM1 & FLT3 Wild-Type Mutations
Symptoms: Nosebleeds, fever, chills, small red spots all over the body
Treatments: Chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant
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Stem Cell Transplant Patient Experiences
Jen N., Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), Stage 4B
Symptoms: Blood-tinged phlegm, whole-body itching, shortness of breath, lump near collarbone, night sweats, upper body swelling, rapid weight loss
Treatments: Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, lumbar puncture, autologous stem cell transplant
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Tod H., High-Risk Multiple Myeloma, Stage 3
Symptoms: Extreme fatigue, high blood protein levels
Treatment: Chemotherapy (induction therapy), stem cell transplant
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Mackenzie P., Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, passing out, getting sick easily, bleeding and bruising quickly
Treatments: Chemotherapy (induction and maintenance chemotherapy), stem cell transplant, clinical trials
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Michele J., Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Symptoms: Fatigue, anemia, persistent lower back pain, sharp leg pain during movement
Treatments: Surgery, chemotherapy, stem cell transplant
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