An Introduction to Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Question 1

define what haematopoietic stem cell transplants are

Answer 1

Any procedure where hematopoietic stem cells of any donor and any source are given to a recipient with intention of repopulating/replacing the hematopoietic system in total or in part

Question 2

Where does HSCT fit in the treatment of blood cancers?

Answer 2

Almost never done as a first step

Is not offered instead of chemotherapy

First, control the cancer with chemotherapy/targeted treatments

Then, perform HSCT

Question 2

what are the two types of stem cell transplants?

Answer 2

• autologous
• allogenic

Question 3

in autologous stem cell transplants- where are stem cells obtained from?

Answer 3

the patient and are frozen in lab before conditioning chemotherapy

Question 4

what are autlogous stem cell transplants done for?

Answer 4

for myeloma and lymphoma

Question 5

what do autologous stem cell transplants rely on?

Answer 5

Reliance on ‘’sheer’’ chemotherapy action against cancer

Question 6

in allogenic stem cell transplants- where are stem cells obtained from?

Answer 6

from a suitable donor

Question 7

describe the recovery in allogenic stem cell transplants

Answer 7

takes longer for immune system to recover, opportunistic infections common

Question 8

what blood cancers can not be cured by chemotherapy?

Answer 8

AML
ALL
MDS

Question 9

What is the proof of principle in allogenic stem cell treatments?

Answer 9

immunotherapy works against cancer

Question 10

what is HLA?

Answer 10

Human Leukocyte Antigen

Question 11

What is the function of HLA?

Answer 11

to present peptides to T cells, thus allowing elimination of foreign particles and recognition of self (so in transplants this has to be modulated)

Question 12

when is conditioning chemotherapy given?

Answer 12

right before the stem cell infusion

Question 13

what is the purpose of conditioning therapy ?

Answer 13

Suppress host (patient) immune system
Exert Anti-leukemic Action