Stem cell treatments are procedures that uses stem cells to successfully treat or improve the condition of patients through the regeneration of cells and specific organs affected by degeneration or disorder. Stem cells have the ability to detect damaged tissues and assist in the repair process.
The procedure for stem cell transplant is very similar to that of a blood transfusion; the solution containing stem cells is injected into the veins via a drip. The stem cells end up in the bone marrow, where they start to make blood cells. Drugs are given to the patient to stimulate the transplanted stem cells to multiply as quickly as possible.
Once a patient decides to undergo stem cell treatments, he can then proceed with the initial tests and procedures. The purpose of these tests is to assess the patient’s health condition. It is also important to make sure that the client is physically prepared for the transplant procedure.
An intravenous catheter is surgically implanted, usually in the patient’s chest near the neck. This remains for the duration of the treatment and is often called the central line. The transplanted stem cells are infused through this central line. It is also used to give chemotherapy, collect blood samples, facilitate blood transfusion and even supply nutrition when needed.
After the pre-transplant tests and procedures are completed, the conditioning process begins. The process involves chemotherapy and, in some cases, radiation for the purpose of destroying cancer cells and suppressing immune system so that the patient’s body will not reject the transplanted stem cells.
The kind of conditioning process you experience depends on a number of factors. The patient’s disease, the overall health condition and the type of transplant procedure are of prime consideration. The source of stem cells should also be noted – whether it comes from the patient’s own body (autologous transplant) or donated by someone else (allogenic transplant). Conditioning process includes high doses of chemotherapy.
Possible side effects of conditioning are the following: diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, fatigue, anemia, bleeding and infections. In order to reduce such side effects, medications will be given or other measures will be recommended by the doctor.
A less intense conditioning process known as “reduced intensity conditioning transplant” is also available, should the candidate find the standard process a bit too much. This process does not kill all the cancer cells in the patient’s body. Instead, it relies on the capability of his immune system to fight the cancer cells. This may seem a better option for some, but it is not applicable to all disease conditions.
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