National Marrow Donor Program Copyright ?
• What are stem cells? • Who needs a stem cell transplant? • What’s involved in a stem cell transplant? • What are the first signs that a transplant has been successful? • What risks do I face as a transplant patient? • How do I decide if a transplant is the right treatment for me? • Which source of stem cells is better? • How many unrelated donor blood stem cell transplants have been done, and what is the success rate? • How do I find a donor? • Do the donor and patient ever meet? • Where can I get a transplant? • How much does a transplant cost? • What if I have questions? Q: What are stem cells? A: Blood stem cells produce all of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. (Red blood cells carry oxygen to your organs and tissues, white blood cells help protect the body from infection, and platelets help control bleeding). Sources of stem cells are bone marrow, circulating blood and the umbilical cord blood of newborn babies. Related Links: Sources of Stem Cells Return to