Autologous stem cell transplantation

High-dose chemotherapy would otherwise not be possible, as it damages the blood formation too much. By returning the previously frozen blood stem cells that were not exposed to high-dose chemotherapy, your hematopoiesis recovers faster and the risk of side effects such as infections is reduced. This is why we also call this type of therapy high-dose chemotherapy with autologous blood stem cell support.

Diseases

Autologous stem cell transplantation may be indicated for the following diseases:

• Multiple myeloma
• Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph glands)
• Germ cell tumors(testicular tumors)
• Autoimmune diseases, e.g. for certain cases of multiple sclerosis

The necessity of an autologous stem cell transplant is discussed in our tumor board and discussed with you in detail.

Procedure

A nursing expert checks the blood stem cells, which are collected by apheresis.

Typically, your blood stem cells are collected as part of a so-called apheresis. For this purpose, you will receive substances in advance that cause blood stem cells to be flushed out of the bone marrow into the blood. This is usually combined with chemotherapy, followed by additional stimulation with growth factors for these blood cells. As a rule, one to two days are sufficient for a collection. The cells are then frozen in our clinic.

The blood stem cells are stored at around -200°C in liquid nitrogen and only thawed before the infusion.

Later, you will receive high-dose chemotherapy as an inpatient, as indicated for your condition. After one to two days, your frozen blood stem cells are thawed and administered directly into the blood, just like an infusion. The blood stem cells find their way into the bone marrow and begin to form blood. After completion of the therapy, special follow-up care takes place in our outpatient clinic.