Different Types of Stem Cell Transplants

January 1, 2025

Stem Cell Transplants – What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever wondered about the different types of stem cell transplants, you’re not alone. Stem cell transplants can be life-saving for people with blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma – but not all transplants are the same. Understanding the differences could help you or someone you love make an informed decision about treatment.

At The TLR Foundation, we’re passionate about raising awareness of stem cell donation and helping recruit young, diverse donors to Stem Cell Donors Australia. In this guide, we’ll break down the main types of stem cell transplants and what makes each one unique.

What Are the Different Types of Stem Cell Transplants?

There are four main types of stem cell transplants – each with its own purpose and process.

1 – Autologous Stem Cell Transplant

This type of transplant uses your own stem cells. It’s most commonly used for people with blood cancers like lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

  • Doctors collect and store your stem cells before treatment.
  • You undergo high-dose chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells.
  • Your stored stem cells are reintroduced into your body to help rebuild your immune system.

Why it’s done – This approach lowers the risk of complications like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) because you’re receiving your own cells.

Who it’s for – Patients who need aggressive treatment but don’t require a donor.

2 – Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant

This transplant uses stem cells from a donor – ideally a close genetic match (like a sibling or unrelated donor from a stem cell registry).

  • Doctors first find a matching donor.
  • The patient undergoes chemotherapy or radiation to suppress their immune system.
  • The donor’s stem cells are infused to create a new, healthy blood and immune system.

Why it’s done – This type of transplant is often needed for leukaemia, lymphoma, and other serious blood disorders where the patient’s own stem cells are damaged or ineffective.

Who it’s for – Patients who need new stem cells from a healthy donor to fight their disease.

3 – Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplant

This is a newer type of allogeneic transplant – but instead of needing a perfect donor match, it uses a half-matched family member, like a parent or sibling.

Why it’s done – It increases donor availability when a full match isn’t found.

Who it’s for – Patients who can’t find a fully matched donor in time but still need a transplant to survive.

4 – Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplant

Stem cells can also be taken from umbilical cord blood donated by new parents after birth. While these cells are highly adaptable and don’t need to be an exact match, cord blood transplants are not as commonly used today as other types of stem cell transplants. This is due to advancements in other donor-matching techniques and the limited number of stem cells in cord blood, which may not be sufficient for adult patients.

Why it’s done – Cord blood transplants reduce the risk of GVHD and are easier to match.

Who it’s for – Often used for younger patients or those who struggle to find a donor.

Risks and Recovery After a Stem Cell Transplant

While stem cell transplants save lives – they also come with risks. Patients may experience:

  • Infections – Since chemotherapy weakens the immune system, infections are common.
  • Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) – When donor stem cells attack the recipient’s body (for allogeneic transplants).
  • Fatigue and weakness – Recovery can take months or even years.
  • Side effects from chemotherapy or radiation – Including nausea, hair loss, and loss of appetite.

The recovery process varies depending on the type of transplant. Some patients bounce back quickly, while others may take longer to regain strength. Having a strong support system and following medical advice is key to successful recovery.

Who Can Get a Stem Cell Transplant?

A stem cell transplant is a serious medical procedure, so eligibility depends on multiple factors.

  • Type of disease – Blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma are the most common conditions requiring transplants.
  • Age and health – Younger, healthier patients tend to have better outcomes.
  • Matching donors – Allogeneic transplants require a compatible donor.
  • Previous treatments – Some patients undergo a transplant after other treatments have failed.

Doctors assess these factors to decide if a transplant is the best option for a patient.

How Can You Help?

Thousands of Australians with blood cancer are waiting for a life-saving stem cell donor. If you’re 18-35, you could be the match they need. Signing up is easy – just request a cheek swab kit online and send it back!

Sign up today at Stem Cell Donors Australia

Final Thoughts

Understanding the different types of stem cell transplants is key to knowing how they save lives. Whether you or someone you love is considering a transplant or you want to become a stem cell donor – every step taken toward awareness and action makes a difference.

Want to help save lives? Join the registry today and be a legend.

References

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