Cancer treatment: hematopoietic stem cell transplant

What is blood dyscrasia

A pathological condition in which any of the constituents of the blood are abnormal in structure, function, or quality as in leukemia or hemophilia

What are hematologic malignancies

Forms of cancer that begin in the cells of blood-forming tissues, such as the bone marrow, or in the cells of the immune system

Who gets hematopoietic stem cell transplants

Patients whose tumors have developed resistance or failed to respond to standard doses of chemotherapy and radiation

Where do stem cells come from

• Bone marrow

• Peripheral blood

What are the different types of transplants

• Autologous

• Allogenic

What is HLA matching (human leukocyte associated antigens)

• Proteins on surface of most cells

• Tissue typing

Educational goals after transplant and what can prevent discharge

Educational goals:

• Self-care

• Infection prevention

Prevention:

• Fever

• Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea management

• Neutrophils >500/mm3

• HT >25%

• Platelets > 15000 mm3

What are some complications

Infections:

• Bacterial, viral, fungal

• Intestinal, respiratory, etc

Bleeding/ need for transfusion

Graft vs host disease (allogenic)

Difference between auto and allogenic transplant

Auto: Uses patient’s own stem cells. Cells are harvested before high-dose chemotherapy and then reinfused after treatment to help regenerate healthy blood cells

Allo: Stem cells are from a donor, which can be a relative or unrelated individual. This is used when patient’s own cells are not viable or when a stronger immune response is needed