What happens after the stem cells have been transplanted to the patient?
After entering the bloodstream, the stem cells travel to the bone marrow, where they begin to produce new white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in a process known as engraftment. Engraftment usually occurs within about 2 to 4 weeks after transplantation. Doctors monitor it by checking blood counts on a frequent basis. Complete recovery of immune function takes much longer, howeverup to several months for autologous transplant recipients and 1 to 2 years for patients receiving allogeneic or syngeneic transplants. Doctors evaluate the results of various blood tests to confirm that new blood cells are being produced and that the cancer has not returned. Bone marrow aspiration (the removal of a small sample of bone marrow through a needle for examination under a microscope) can also help doctors determine how well the new marrow is working. 9.
Related Questions
- What happens if I have a patient in the chair that wants to preserve their stem cells today and I just sent out my last kit or I don~t have a kit available?
- Can a patient have two support people, and what happens if there is conflict between the support people?
- What happens after the bone marrow or stem cells have been transplanted to the patient?
