Allogeneic Transplant in Bangalore

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is the process of transplanting stem cells from a donor to a recipient. This therapy is used to treat blood cell malignancies, blood disorders, and immunological illnesses.

Stem cells are immature cells that are still developing into specific cell types. They can be found in the bone marrow and blood of individuals of all ages, as well as in a newborn baby’s umbilical cord. The cells are delivered to the recipient intravenously (through a vein). Here, the stem cells are harvested from a donor who shares genetically similar HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) antigens with the recipient. The donor could be a parent, sibling, or sometimes an unrelated individual.

Why do you need an Allogeneic Transplant?

This surgery is a therapeutic option for blood malignancies and disorders caused by a deficiency in the cells produced in the bone marrow. Examples of these cells include red blood cells (which transfer oxygen to the body to produce energy) and white blood cells (immune cells that protect against infection and cancer). Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is less frequently used to treat autoimmune illnesses, in which the body’s immune system attacks the body itself. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is sometimes used to treat the following conditions:

• Leukaemia: A type of blood cancer.
• Lymphoma: A type of blood cancer.
• Multiple myeloma: A blood malignancy.
• Myelodysplastic syndromes: Disorders of the bone marrow’s blood-producing cells.
• Aplastic anaemia: Failure of the bone marrow’s blood-producing cells.

While some of these disorders can be efficiently treated with medication, others require a stem cell transplant.

What are the Types of Allogeneic Transplants?

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a transplant that utilises donor stem cells, while autologous stem cell transplantation is a different type of hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Autologous stem cell transplantation is a procedure in which your own cells are used to replace bone marrow cells. Each procedure has advantages and downsides, including:

• Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: A match must be found, and there is a risk of transplant rejection or graft-versus-host disease. One significant advantage is that the donor cells are highly unlikely to carry the condition for which you are being treated.
• Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation: Finding a match is not required, and transplant rejection is not a risk. However, if your donated cells have the condition for which you are being treated, this type of transplant may not be curative.

How is Allogeneic Transplant done at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka?

Before receiving transplanted cells from a donor, the recipient must undergo chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to eliminate disease-causing bone marrow cells. Following this, allogeneic stem cells are expected to engraft in the recipient’s bone marrow, promoting the growth and development of healthy cells.

The transplant procedure involves a venous infusion. A central line, a large intravenous catheter, will be surgically inserted into your chest. This procedure can be performed on the same day as the transplant infusion or a few days in advance. Upon your arrival at Apollo Hospitals, our medical team will assess your temperature, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, respiration rate, and heart rate before the operation. The cells will be administered over several hours, and our medical team will closely monitor your condition throughout the process. You have the option to remain awake or sleep during the infusion. If you experience any discomfort, please inform the medical staff promptly.

What happens during Allogeneic Transplant?

This is what happens during an allogeneic transplant:

• You will receive heavy doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy during the conditioning process to eradicate your cancer cells.
• Your sickness and unique circumstances will determine the course of your treatment.
• The cancer treatments involved in the conditioning process carry the risk of negative side effects. Hence, it is advisable to discuss the expected outcomes of your treatment with your doctor.
• Your blood will be infused with donor stem cells, which will then move to your bone marrow and initiate the process of producing new blood cells.
• The medical team will closely monitor you for any issues after your transplant.

You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Frequent blood tests and consultations to check your progress after the transplant should be expected.

What happens after Allogeneic Transplant?

Here’s what to expect following your allogeneic stem cell transplant:

• Pre-treatment chemotherapy impairs your immune system’s ability to defend against infections. You’ll be in a properly cleaned room with very little physical contact with others to reduce that risk.
• You will be given immunosuppressive medicine to minimise the possibility of your body rejecting the donated stem cells.
• After transplantation, some people experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Your doctors will prescribe medication to alleviate these symptoms and provide fluids to replenish what you have lost.
• Blood transfusions may be necessary to replace red blood cells and platelets.

What are the side effects of Allogeneic Transplant?

Complications from this type of transplant include transplant rejection (when the recipient’s body rejects the transplant) and graft-vs.-host disease (GvHD), where the donated immune cells attack the recipient’s body. Other side effects may include:

• Fever
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Chills
• Rashes

Treatment at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

At Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, our doctors ensure that the donor’s HLA type matches that of the recipient. This helps boost the chances of a successful transplant and promotes the best results. At Apollo Hospitals, we are committed to providing high-quality Medical Oncology Treatment in Bangalore in a compassionate environment that fosters emotional well-being and support for patients and their families. Looking for the best Medical Oncologist in Bangalore? Call us today.