How do the stem cells become healthy bone marrow?
First, the patient’s own bone marrow is destroyed by an intensive regimen of chemotherapy and radiation. Then, the donor cells are infused into the bloodstream through the right atrial catheter or mediport (central venous catheter). They travel through the bloodstream and find their way to the marrow, engraft, and (hopefully) begin producing healthy, normal blood cells.
Related Questions
- Do you think people get confused between obtaining stem cells from un-needed embryos, bone marrow, and now umbilical cord blood? Is the confusion understandable, or is at all the same science?
- Are there any religions against donating bone marrow or stem cells?
- How do the stem cells become healthy bone marrow?
