Transplants in Cancer Treatment

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.

transplant patient in hospital

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
Advances in GVHD Treatments and Clinical Trials

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. feature profile

Emily T.



Symptoms: Nosebleeds, fever, chills, small red spots all over the body
Treatment: Chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant
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Maddie shares her Hodgkin's lymphoma story
Maddie S., Hodgkin's, Stage 2
Symptoms: Itchy feet, legs & torso, sleeplessness, bad cough, lump on neck Treatment: Chemo, immunotherapy, bone marrow transplant
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Danielle shares her stage 1 Hodgkin lymphoma story
Danielle D., Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Stage 1 Diagnosis: Stage 1 Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma Symptoms: NoneTreatment: Chemo, ABVD, Immunotherapy, Nivolumab, Brentuximab, Bone Marrow Transplant...
Renee F. feature profile

Renée F.



Symptoms: Bruising
Treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation, allogeneic 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. feature profile

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. feature profile

Laura E.



Symptom: Increasing back pain
Treatments: Chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, bispecific antibodies
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Kristin D.

Kristin D.



Symptoms: None; caught at routine blood work
Treatment: Stem cell transplant
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Sarah shares her multiple myeloma story
Sarah F., Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis: Multiple Myeloma Symptoms: Anemia, fatigueTreatment: Chemo, Radiation, Stem Cell Transplant...