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What is Stem Cell Transplantation?
Stem Cell Transplantation (SCT)
is a cancer treatment most often used for patients who have experienced a return
of their cancer, known as relapse. SCT makes it possible for patients to
receive higher doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy than would
otherwise be possible and increases the likelihood that the cancer will be
successfully controlled.
Bone marrow, located in the
center part of the bones, is where blood cells are made. Stem cells are produced
in the marrow and mature to become red blood cells, white blood cells and
platelets. As they mature, they are released into the blood where they perform
their specific functions.
In the process of stem cell
transplantation, high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation are given that
destroy the bone marrow's normal production. Stem cells that have been
collected are then given back to restore the body's production.
The stem cells can be obtained
from different sources:
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