Autologous Stem Cell Transplant for Lymphoma
Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is a cornerstone therapy for relapsed or high-risk lymphoma, allowing the use of aggressive chemotherapy to eradicate cancer while rescuing marrow function through reinfusion of the patient’s own stem cells.
This approach enhances survival outcomes, prolongs remission, and avoids the immune complications of donor transplants.
Overview And Clinical Background
High-dose therapy with marrow rescue
ASCT enables delivery of myeloablative chemotherapy that would otherwise irreversibly damage bone marrow.
Stem cells collected prior to treatment are reinfused afterward to restore hematopoiesis.
It’s widely used for relapsed Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas with excellent long-term outcomes.
- Indications: Relapsed or refractory lymphoma, especially diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Hodgkin’s disease.
- Used in both first and subsequent remission depending on disease biology and response.
- Goal: Achieve durable remission and potential cure by eradicating residual disease.
Symptoms, Signs And Presentation
Candidates typically have a history of lymphoma previously treated with chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Relapse may present with lymphadenopathy, fever, weight loss, or fatigue.
Transplant is planned once disease control is achieved again with salvage therapy.
- Relapse indicators: Reappearance of lymph node masses, unexplained fevers, night sweats, or fatigue.
- Pre-transplant evaluation ensures minimal residual disease before conditioning.
- Monitoring: PET-CT imaging and marrow assessment confirm remission readiness.
Diagnosis Methods And Investigations
Pre-transplant evaluation for remission status
Thorough workup includes imaging, marrow biopsy, cardiac and pulmonary testing, and infectious disease screening.
Stem cell collection is preceded by growth factor stimulation and leukapheresis.
- Tests include: PET-CT to verify remission, CBC, biochemistry, viral screening, and organ function tests.
- Stem cell mobilization: G-CSF or plerixafor regimens enhance collection yield before apheresis.
- Stored stem cells undergo cryopreservation and sterility testing before reinfusion.
Treatment Options And Surgical Techniques
Patients receive high-dose chemotherapy (conditioning) to destroy lymphoma cells and bone marrow.
Autologous stem cells are thawed and infused intravenously to restore blood formation.
Supportive care includes transfusions, antibiotics, and growth factors during recovery.
- Conditioning regimens: BEAM or CBV protocols based on disease type and organ function.
- Stem cell reinfusion: Thawed cells infused over hours, followed by hydration and supportive therapy.
- Isolation, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and nutritional support until engraftment.
Recovery, Risks And Prognosis
Engraftment occurs within 2–3 weeks, restoring blood counts.
Short-term effects include neutropenia, mucositis, or fatigue; long-term risks include relapse and secondary malignancies.
Five-year survival rates exceed 60% in well-selected patients.
Why Choose Us
CureU Healthcare provides advanced transplant units, cryopreservation facilities, and expert hematologists trained in autologous transplant protocols.
Our approach emphasizes safety, rapid engraftment, and integrated rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Autologous stem cell transplant remains the standard of care for relapsed lymphoma, offering durable remission, manageable toxicity, and improved overall survival under skilled multidisciplinary management.
