Midwifery and Womens Health

Stem Cell Transplantation

Stem cell transplantation (SCT) or bone marrow transplantation is a procedure in which healthy stem cells are injected into a patient to replace damaged stem cells. Before SCT, people receive high-dose of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to prepare the body for a transplant. This is called as "conditioning therapy”. After stem cells are injected into a patient's bloodstream, they travel to the bone marrow to begin the process of forming new blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This is called engraftment.

Types of Stem Cell Transplantation

Autologous transplantation: The patient's own stem cells are used. These cells are removed, processed and returned to their body after conditioning therapy. Allogeneic transplantation: use donor stem cells. A donor may be a family member or someone unrelated to the patient.Reduced-intensity stem cell transplantation: As with allogeneic transplants, stem cells are obtained from a healthy person (donor), but chemotherapy is less intensive.

Related Societies/ Associations: Canadian Association of Midwives | International Caesarean Awareness Network | The American Urogynecologic Society | National Aboriginal Council of Midwives | The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine | The Society for Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynaecology |