Autologous blood stem cell transplantation
Autologuos hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is performed to facilitate bone marrow regeneration following highly intensive chemotherapy for treatment of high risk solid tumors.
Amongst high risk cancers treated by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are
- neuroblastoma
- nephroblastoma
- germ cell tumors
- brain tumors
- lymphoma
- ewing-sarkoma
Autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are collected from the patient´s peripheral blood prior to high dose therapy and stored in liquid nitrogen. HSC harvest from the peripheral blood is performed through a procedure called apheresis by which hematopoietic stem cells are mechanically washed out from the patient´s blood and collected in a bag whilst other blood component are returned.
Hematopoietic stem cell harvest is performed on the ward or the day clinic of our department. During the procedure that may last several hours, children can eat and drink, play, listen to music or watch films.
