What are the Pros and Cons of a Stem Cell Transplant for Leukemia?

Stem cell transplants are a 21st century medical method used in treating a variety of conditions, including cancers like leukemia. As research into stem cell technology has increased, the procedure has become more widespread. Advocates argue for the procedure’s promising results, its restoration of healthy cells, and its reliance on the latest scientific technology. Cons of a stem cell transplant for leukemia, on the other hand, include the possibility of body rejection, donor risks, difficulty of locating a donor, and potential side effects.

Stem cells hold the unique potential for developing into any type of cell in the human body. Since stem cells are undifferentiated, scientists believe that they can manipulate the cells into becoming brain cells, bone cells, or even heart cells. In the case of treating leukemia, the generation of healthy blood cells and immune cells is the desired goal. When doctors utilize stem cells for leukemia treatment, remission rates may improve 10 to 40 percent, according to some medical studies.

Research and medical facilities around the world have advocated, invested in, and revolutionized stem cell technology. Applications have been demonstrated in over 60 medical conditions: heart attacks, spinal cord injury, juvenile diabetes, various types of cancers, and many more conditions. Cells extracted from cadavers, bone marrow, cord blood, and even human skin have shown remarkable generative capacity. These cells can then be used in two types of stem cell transplants. An autologous transplant utilizes the patient’s own stem cells, while an allogenic transplant requires a stem cell donor.

Another major benefit of a stem cell transplant for leukemia is the procedure’s ability to dampen the adverse effects of more intensive cancer treatments. Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can injure or kill normal cells in addition to the cancer cells. The high dosages required of the treatments are particularly punishing to marrow cells. A stem cell transplant can replenish these cells.

One possible setback for a stem cell transplant for leukemia is the availability of a matching donor. In the case of an autologous transplant, the patient’s body may be too weak for a self-donation. Cells must also be harvested from the patient after the patient has already entered remission. Location of an allogenic transplant donor may be even more difficult, as the most effective donors are siblings of a matching tissue type. If a donor cannot be found within the family, doctors must then search a registry with a possible waiting list.

A stem cell transplant for leukemia could also pose a slight risk for the donor, depending on his or her preexisting medical condition. Stem cells can be harvested from marrow or blood. Large quantities of these substances could be needed, as they must circulate through a machine in order to obtain enough stem cells. As with any medical procedure, complications like adverse reactions to medications may result.

Failure of the procedure is perhaps the greatest fear of stem cell transplants for leukemia. A serious condition known as graft-versus-host disease — in which the created cells attack the patient’s body tissues — may develop from stem cell rejection. Age and prior relapse history are considerations in the likelihood of rejection. The leukemia patient may still face a long course of radiation and chemotherapy treatments before a stem cell transplant. These procedures may help decrease the risk of the body’s immune cells rejecting the stem cells.

Other complications of a stem cell transplant may result as well. The body is highly vulnerable during the recovery period, which may take several weeks as the new cells are generated. Other possible effects include hair loss, skin changes, fatigue, muscle pain, hormonal problems, blood clots, and infection. A medical professional can best elaborate on these and other possible drawbacks as well as the benefits of a stem cell transplant for leukemia.