Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (autoHSCT) refers to a medical procedure in which a patient's own stem cells are collected, stored, and later reintroduced into their body following high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy. AutoHSCT is primarily used in the treatment of certain types of cancers, such as lymphomas, leukemias, and multiple myeloma.
During autoHSCT, the patient first undergoes a process known as stem cell mobilization, which stimulates the production and release of stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. These stem cells are then collected through a procedure called apheresis, in which the blood is filtered to extract the stem cells. The collected stem cells are cryopreserved, or frozen, for later use.
Following the completion of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the stored stem cells are thawed and returned to the patient's bloodstream. Once reintroduced, these stem cells migrate to the bone marrow, where they can replenish and restore the body's blood cells that were depleted during the treatment.
AutoHSCT offers several benefits, including reduced risk of infection and a faster recovery of normal blood counts compared to allogeneic stem cell transplantation. However, it also carries certain risks and complications, such as graft failure, graft-versus-host disease, and long-term effects on fertility.
In conclusion, autoHSCT is a medical procedure involving the collection, storage, and subsequent reintroduction of a patient's own stem cells to restore their blood cell production following intensive chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
