Why donor stem cell or bone marrow transplants are used?
In the treatment of some types of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, allogeneic bone marrow or stem cell transplants (from a donor) are used to improve the chances of curing the disease. A transplant may be carried out early on in treatment when the disease is in remission, or if it comes back after being treated. There are different types of leukemia and lymphoma and a transplant is not a suitable treatment for everyone. Whether there is a suitable donor or not is one of the important factors for doctors to consider. Other factors that your doctor will take into account when considering whether to recommend a transplant are your age and general health. There are guidelines for sensible upper age limits, though there are no lower age limits. Guidelines recommend that for transplants from a donor (allogeneic) the upper age limit is usually 45-50. The age limits can be slightly flexible, depending on your general health and the risk of recurrence of the disease. The procedure is very demand
