Multiple Myeloma begins when malignant plasma cells start to develop. Autologous transplants for multiple myeloma are performed by removing the patient’s own stem cells from the peripheral blood or the bone marrow and storing them separately. After the patient is treated with high doses of chemotherapy, combined with radiation (sometimes), the stored stem cells are transplanted into the patient’s blood for bone marrow treatment.
Chemotherapy- The short form of chemotherapy is ‘’chemo’’ that uses drugs to treat cancer. The goal of chemotherapy treatment is to reach to those parts of the body where cancer has spread, and radiation therapy or surgery cannot have access. In most cases, chemotherapy is administered intravenously by inserting a tube attached to a needle through a vein in the patient’s chest. Alternately, chemotherapy is given in the form of pills or capsules.
10-15 Days
The immune system is composed of different types of cells, of which Lymphocytes are the main cells in the immunity system. There are two categories of Lymphocytes, B and T cells. When B cells mature, they turn into plasma cells that are found only in the bone marrow unlike Lymphocytes that are found in the bloodstream, intestines, lymph nodes and bone marrow.
When plasma cells grow out of control, they turn cancerous and produce a tumour. A single tumour is called plasmacytoma, while multiple tumours are called multiple myeloma. Generally, the symptoms of multiple myeloma are low blood count, infections, calcium and bone problems, kidney problems, etc.
Treatment of multiple myeloma with autologous bone marrow transplant has a significant role in restoring the normal production of blood in the body after stem cells die due to high doses of chemotherapy.
Stem cells (also known as bone marrow) are multicellular organisms present in the bone marrow that give rise to three types of blood cells- red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. When plasma cells in the bone marrow turn cancerous and develop into multiple myelomas, they are treated with stem cell transplant combined with chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is administered before a stem cell transplant procedure. However, in the process of destroying myeloma cells, high doses of chemos kill normal blood-forming cells as well. Stem cell transplantation is able to replace the normal cells, thus resuming production of blood cells.
There are basically two sources of the new stem cells that are transplanted- from the patient’s own bone marrow (allogeneic) and from a donor’s bone marrow (autologous). Therefore, in autologous stem cells transplant for multiple myeloma, the patient’s own stem cells are removed and stored separately until they are required for the transplant. Before the stem cell transplant procedure, there are preparations to be taken by a team of doctors, including oncologists, chemotherapists, radiotherapists, etc.
The immune system is composed of different types of cells, of which Lymphocytes are the main cells in the immunity system. There are two categories of Lymphocytes, B and T cells. When B cells mature, they turn into plasma cells that are found only in the bone marrow unlike Lymphocytes that are found in the bloodstream, intestines, lymph nodes and bone marrow.
When plasma cells grow out of control, they turn cancerous and produce a tumour. A single tumour is called plasmacytoma, while multiple tumours are called multiple myeloma. Generally, the symptoms of multiple myeloma are low blood count, infections, calcium and bone problems, kidney problems, etc.
Treatment of multiple myeloma with autologous bone marrow transplant has a significant role in restoring the normal production of blood in the body after stem cells die due to high doses of chemotherapy.
Stem cells (also known as bone marrow) are multicellular organisms present in the bone marrow that give rise to three types of blood cells- red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. When plasma cells in the bone marrow turn cancerous and develop into multiple myelomas, they are treated with stem cell transplant combined with chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is administered before a stem cell transplant procedure. However, in the process of destroying myeloma cells, high doses of chemos kill normal blood-forming cells as well. Stem cell transplantation is able to replace the normal cells, thus resuming production of blood cells.
There are basically two sources of the new stem cells that are transplanted- from the patient’s own bone marrow (allogeneic) and from a donor’s bone marrow (autologous). Therefore, in autologous stem cells transplant for multiple myeloma, the patient’s own stem cells are removed and stored separately until they are required for the transplant. Before the stem cell transplant procedure, there are preparations to be taken by a team of doctors, including oncologists, chemotherapists, radiotherapists, etc.
After the stem cell transplant procedure, your transplant team discusses with you regarding the follow-up plans and follow-up care at home. You and your family members should coordinate with each other and make sure you stay as much comfortable and relaxed as possible.
Generally, it takes almost a year or more for your immune system to get back to normal. However, during the recovery time of autologous stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma, you are susceptible to infections. Refrain from any heavy-duty tasks or other related activities that may lead to bleeding or bruising. Also, wash your hands often with alcohol-based hand sanitizers and wear gloves and masks while in public. Keep your home clean and avoid pets, particularly if they are carrying diseases.
You need to visit the doctor for follow-up appointments. Different types of tests like blood tests, biopsy tests, etc., are done to check if your immune system is functioning normally. Immunization updates are required to be taken from time to time to evaluate the progress of your healing.
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