Support and Survivorship for Transplant

An overview of treatments and medications you may need after an autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant). Each cancer center has their own procedures and protocols, but this article gives information about commonly used medications.

Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) is when bone marrow or stem cells that come from a donor start to attack the cells of the person who received the transplant. The graft is the donor cells, and the healthy cells in your body are the host.

Before a baby is born, the umbilical cord blood provides the nutrients and oxygen needed for growth. After birth, that blood can help patients with leukemia, lymphoma or other diseases.

High dose chemotherapy, total body irradiation and graft versus host disease all play a role in long term health concerns after allogeneic transplant.

Total body irradiation (TBI) may be used to treat leukemias and lymphomas or may be given to patients who are undergoing bone marrow transplant and can result in long term health concerns.

Websites with current, reliable information and resources about bone marrow and stem cell transplant.