Stem cell transplant

A stem cell transplant is a medical treatment in which damaged or diseased stem cells in the bone marrow are replaced with healthy stem cells. Stem cells are the “basic” cells that can develop into different types of blood cells. In conditions such as leukemia or after heavy chemotherapy, the body's own stem cells can become damaged. The transplant often begins with a high dose of chemotherapy or radiation to destroy the diseased cells. Healthy stem cells, usually from a donor's blood or from the patient's own cells (if collected beforehand), are then administered via an IV. These stem cells travel to the bone marrow and start producing new, healthy blood cells.