Types of Stem Cell Transplants
Autologous Transplants
Autologous transplants involve the removal of your own stem cells from the peripheral blood or bone marrow, which are stored for the procedure. You sometimes need high-dose chemotherapy or radiation to eliminate cancer cells. After that, healthy stem cells are transplanted through a catheter. This is a common and effective treatment for those with multiple myeloma. However, it is not a cure, and cancerous cells may return in the future. In many cases, doctors may suggest two autologous transplants, which are done 6 to 12 months apart. Studies have shown that it would be more effective than a single treatment. Nevertheless, it may pose certain risks and result in more side effects.[2]
