What is an autologous blood stem cell transplant?
An autologous transplant uses your own blood-forming cells that are collected, frozen and stored and then given back to you after chemotherapy and possibly radiation. Your doctor will decide the best time to collect your cells. After they are collected, the cells can be frozen for months or years until you need them for your transplant.
How are my cells collected?
There are two ways your cells could be collected. Your doctor will decide which is best for you.
- Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection: PBSC collection gathers cells from your bloodstream using a process called apheresis. Before your cells are collected, you get shots for a few days to increase the number of blood-forming cells in your bloodstream. During apheresis collection, blood is removed from your vein through an intravenous (IV) line, passed through a machine and put back into your bloodstream through a vein in your other arm. The machine takes out the blood-forming cells that will be used for your transplant. Most patients who have an autologous transplant have their cells collected this way.
- Bone marrow collection: Bone marrow collection gathers cells from the pelvic (hip) bone during a procedure that happens in an operating room. You get anesthesia so you don’t feel pain. A doctor uses a special needle to take out the blood-forming cells from your bone marrow.
Questions to ask your doctor
As you prepare for an autologous transplant, you may want to ask your doctor:
- How will you decide the best time to collect my cells?
- How will you decide the best time for transplant?
- If my disease comes back (relapses), will I be able to get an allogeneic transplant?
Access additional questions to ask your doctor as you consider your treatment options.
Questions to ask your health insurance company
Contact your health insurance company so you know what your policy covers for an autologous blood stem cell transplant. Ask questions like:
Does my policy pay for:
- Lodging and transportation reimbursement?
- My blood stem cell collection?
- An autologous transplant?
- Care in an autologous transplant clinical trial?
Access additional questions to ask your health insurance company about coverage for transplant.
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