If you or someone you know has ever faced blood cancer, you might have heard about stem cell transplants. But what exactly are they? In simple terms, a stem cell transplant is a medical procedure that replaces damaged or diseased blood-forming cells with healthy ones. These new cells help some people with leukaemias like chronic myeloid leukaemia, certain lymphomas like Hodgkin lymphoma, blood diseases like myelodysplasia (MDS), or other blood cancers and disorders get a second chance at life.
At The TLR Foundation, we’re all about making stem cell donation accessible and raising awareness for young and diverse donors. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about stem cell transplants, why they matter, and how you can get involved.
What Exactly is a Stem Cell Transplant?
A stem cell transplant, sometimes called a bone marrow transplant, is a procedure used to treat various blood disorders and cancers. It works by replacing unhealthy blood-forming cells (which live in your bone marrow) with healthy ones from a donor.
These new cells help the body produce fresh red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets—essential for survival.
Stem cell transplants are commonly used to treat:
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia
- Hodgkin lymphoma and other types of blood cancer
- Severe cases of anaemia and other blood disorders
How Does it Work?
The Role of Stem Cells
Stem cells are the unsung heroes of the body—they’re special cells that can transform into different types of blood cells. They can be collected from:
- Peripheral blood (collected through a process similar to blood donation)
- Bone marrow (harvested from the pelvic bone under anaesthesia)
- Umbilical cord blood (collected after birth and stored for future use)
The Two Types of Transplants
- Autologous Transplant – The patient’s own stem cells are collected and reinfused after treatment.
- Allogeneic Transplant – Stem cells come from a matching donor, often a family member or someone on a stem cell registry.
The type of transplant needed depends on the patient’s condition and the availability of a suitable donor.
The Step-by-Step Process
1. Preparation (Conditioning Therapy)
Before a transplant, patients go through chemotherapy or radiation to destroy damaged cells and make space for new ones.
2. Stem Cell Collection
Donors can donate through peripheral blood collection (a simple blood donation process) or bone marrow extraction (done under anaesthesia).
3. Transplantation
The collected stem cells are infused into the patient’s bloodstream. They travel to the bone marrow and start producing new, healthy blood cells.
4. Recovery and Monitoring
Patients stay under medical supervision to ensure their new immune system develops properly and to manage any side effects.
Why Stem Cell Transplants Matter
Stem cell transplants can mean the difference between life and death for people with blood and cancer conditions. They:
- Provide a potential cure for blood cancers and other serious diseases
- Restore healthy blood cell production
- Offer hope to patients when other treatments haven’t worked
But here’s the catch: a successful transplant depends on finding a matching donor. That’s where you come in.
How You Can Help: Join the Stem Cell Donor Registry
You could be the match someone is desperately waiting for. If you’re aged 18-35, you can sign up to be a donor. It’s easy—all it takes is a cheek swab and some basic info. Your donation could save someone with chronic myeloid leukaemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, or another life-threatening condition.
At The TLR Foundation, we focus on recruiting young, diverse donors to increase the chances of a match for every patient. The more diverse the donor pool, the better the chances of finding a life-saving match for people of all backgrounds.
Wrapping Up
A stem cell transplant isn’t just a medical procedure—it’s a chance at life. By joining the registry, you could be someone’s only hope. If you’re ready to make a difference, learn more about the process and how to sign up today.
Visit our Stem Cell Donation Process page to get started.