Are there any risks associated with donating PBSCs?
Apheresis is usually painless and causes minimal discomfort. During apheresis, the person may feel lightheadedness, chills, numbness around the lips, and cramping in the hands. Unlike bone marrow donation, PBSC donation does not require anesthesia. The medication that is given to stimulate the release of stem cells from the marrow into the bloodstream may cause bone and muscle aches, headaches, and/or difficulty sleeping. These side effects generally stop within 2 to 3 days of the last dose of the medication. Return to top of page. • How does the patient receive the bone marrow or PBSCs during the transplant? After being treated with high-dose anticancer drugs and/or radiation, the patient receives the bone marrow or PBSCs through a central venous catheter, a flexible tube that is placed in a large vein in the neck or chest area. This part of the transplant is called the “rescue process.” Return to top of page. • Are any special measures taken when the cancer patient is also the donor
