Autologous Stem Cell Transplant for Lymphoma Surgery

How would ASCT help in Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Hodgkin’s disease (or Hodgkin's lymphoma) is cancer of the lymphatic system. This condition drastically weakens your immune system by destroying lymphatic cells which provide natural resistance to infections and diseases.

In autologous stem cell transplant, the stem cells gathered from the patient's body collected, frozen and put away until required. An autologous stem cell is offered to the patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The stem cells are intravenously transplanted into the patient's body to regenerate healthy lymphatic cells.

Why Should You Choose ASCT?

If you have been taking chemotherapy and radiation therapy without seeing much improvement in your condition, then ASCT is the last resort. The advantage of ASCT is that there are no side-effects. The chances of your body rejecting the transplanted stem cells are second to none, since the stem cells are extracted from your body. Any complication is a result of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

What is the Procedure of ASCT?

The initial phase in an autologous stem cell transplant starts with harvesting the stem cells. These cells are ordinarily acquired from the bloodstream (peripheral blood stem cells). An activation process brings the stem cells from the bone marrow into the peripheral circulation system. Once the stem cells are in bloodstream, the collection process starts.

The blood is isolated utilising an apheresis machine. This procedure takes a couple of hours and is repeated until the required amount of stem cells are gathered. Once the stem cells are collected, they are frozen in a laboratory until needed.

The specialist uses chemotherapy and radiation to obliterate the diseased cells before planning the stem cell transplant. The transplant happens two days after the radiation therapy is finished.

The frozen sacks of undeveloped cells are defrosted to prepare them for the transplant. Once defrosted, the stem cells are re-introduced into the circulatory system (like blood transfusion). This procedure takes around 60 minutes. The stem cells travel deep down to the bone marrow and create new stem cells. This procedure is called engraftment. ASCT has shown some promising results in treating Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Are there any Risks and Complications?

After the stem cell transplant is done, you will require medical help. You may also get antibiotics to counteract and treat bacterial, viral, and communicable diseases. These complications are more likely to occur in the initial three months after transplantation. You may experience some difficulties as a result of the chemotherapy and radiation given before the transplant. There are no known complications linked to ASCT.

Recovery after ASCT

After the procedure is completed, you will be required to stay in the hospital for at least 2 weeks. Amid this time, your immunity will be at its lowest point. Anyone who comes into your room needs to wear protective gloves and covers and wash their hands with an antiseptic cleanser. In some cases, individuals coming into your room need to cover their attire.