How PBSC works

Stem cells are collected before cancer treatment. After treatment, the cells are put into your bloodstream. The cells travel to your bone marrow and begin making new blood cells. There are 2 types of stem cell transplants:

• Autologous transplant. This uses stem cells collected from your own blood.

• Allogeneic transplant. This uses stem cells from a donor. These stem cells may also be able to kill cancer cells and prevent relapse. This is known as the graft-versus-tumor effect.

The type of transplant used depends on many factors. Both types have advantages and risks.

Autologous PBSCT

This type of transplant comes from your own stem cells.

Before the transplant

First, the stem cells are removed from your body (collected). This may be done anywhere from 1 month to several years before your transplant. About 1 week or so before the stems cells are collected, you'll be given medicine to help your bone marrow make more stem cells. Your blood will be tested each day to see if you have enough stem cells to collect. Before collection, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is placed in a vein in your neck, chest, or groin. This is called a central line. The collection can take 1 day or more. During this time, you'll be connected to a special machine. The machine removes some blood, takes out the stem cells, and returns the blood to you. You may feel a tingling in your lips or hands. The collected stem cells are frozen in a special freezer. Stem cells can be safely stored for many years. Then before your transplant, you'll receive high-dose chemotherapy (chemo) or radiation. These procedures are usually done in a hospital or clinic.

The transplant procedure

The transplant can be done in a hospital, clinic, or at home. The stem cells are given through your central line into your bloodstream. The procedure can take anywhere from a few hours to 1 day or more. During the transplant, you may also feel short of breath or have a tight feeling in the chest. You may have high or low blood pressure. A nurse will be with you during the transplant. You'll be watched closely. You'll also receive IV (intravenous) fluids. This helps wash out a preservative called DMSO that's used to store the stem cells. DMSO may cause a taste or smell like garlic or creamed corn. You'll notice this during the stem cell transplant and up to 36 hours later.

Allogeneic PBSCT

This type of transplant comes from donor stem cells.

Before the transplant

You'll receive chemo. This may be high-dose therapy that kills the cells in your bone marrow (myeloablative therapy). Or it may be lower-dose chemo. The type you have depends on certain factors. Your healthcare provider can tell you which you'll have. You may also receive radiation. These procedures are usually done in a hospital or clinic.

The transplant procedure

The stem cells are usually transplanted the day after the last dose of chemo. The donor cells are given “fresh.” This means they haven't been frozen and don't contain preservatives. The stem cells are given through your central line into your bloodstream. The procedure can take a few hours. During the transplant you may also feel short of breath or have a tight feeling in the chest. You may have high or low blood pressure. A nurse will be with you during the transplant. You'll be watched closely. You'll also receive IV fluids.

Recovering at Home

Once you return home, follow the instructions you've been given for caring for yourself. These include:

• Take all medicines as directed. You'll be given medicine to help prevent infection. If you had an allogeneic transplant, you'll take medicine to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This is a reaction between the donor stem cells and your body. You may need to take these medicines for up to 1 year.

• Care for your central line as instructed. Proper care helps prevent serious infection. Don't swim or use hot tubs while you still have your central line.

• Keep your distance. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other contagious illness until your blood counts have returned to normal.

• Stick to low-risk activities. Depending on your type of transplant, you may not be able to do some high-risk activities such as gardening for up to 1 year. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.

• Keep germs at bay. Take care to stay away from germs and molds that may make you sick. Make sure your food is well cooked. Handle food only with clean hands. Don't change litter boxes. Wash your hands often to prevent infection.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4ºF ( 38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your provider

• Chest discomfort or pain

• Trouble breathing

• Coughing

• Headache

• Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting

• Diarrhea

• New or worsening skin rash

• Bruising or bleeding

• Peeing less than normal

• Severe tiredness (fatigue)

• Any other signs or symptoms indicated by your providers