STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION

What is stem cell transplantation?

Procedure of healthy hematopoietic stem cells transplantation to someone from his/her own body (autologous transplantation) or from a donor (allogeneic transplantation) in an attempt to reproduce bone marrow stem cells which have been damaged/destroyed by benign or malign diseases. Bone marrow is the first source used for the stem cell transplantation because it is rich in stem cells. But nowadays peripheral stem cells are preferred because they are confidential both for donor and recipient, fast and less disturbing. Also in recent years stem cells received from umbilical cord are used for transplantation.

Before the stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy and/or medication is given to the patient and bone marrow is emptied, then histocompatible healthy stem cells received from the patient himself/herself or donor are transplanted to the patient. After this procedure stem cells locate in the bone marrow of the recipient, reproduce and produce blood cells with producing hematopoietic cells and then start to reconstitute immune system. Recovering the level of blood will be within 2-4 weeks. Meanwhile the patient is followed-up closely by the physician. Blood support and antibiotics for the infection are needed especially when the patient has low blood level (sometimes every day). Full recovery of the immune system takes much more time, especially if transplantation is done from allogeneic and umbilical cord, it takes 1-2 years.

To who is Stem Cell Transplantation performed?

Stem cell transplantation is performed successfully for some malignant (leukemia-cancer of blood, lymphoma- cancer of lymph node, multiple myeloma- cancer of bone marrow etc.) blood diseases, bone marrow deficiency such as aplastic anemia and congenital blood disease (thalassemia etc.).

How are stem cells obtained? And what are the types of transplantation?

Cells which are used for the stem cell transplantation are received from 3 sources: bone marrow, peripheral blood and umbilical cord. Underlying disease, grade and the current status of the disease, urgency, adaptation, character of donor and preference of the patient is determinant in these cases. Peripheral blood is the most preferred nowadays.

Autologous stem cell transplantation: Transplantation of the recipient’s own stem cells

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation: Transplantation of full- compatible stem cell from a donor to recipient.

Haploidentical stem cell transplantation: Transplantation of half compatible stem cell received from a first degree relative.

Syngeneic stem cell transplantation: Transplantation of stem cell received from maternal twin.


Is perfect match required between donor and recipient?


Perfect match (8/8) is asked for the transplantation if it is from a donor. In this case success rate is higher. But recently with the development of technology and follow-up methods, success rate with nearly full-compatible or even half-compatible transplantation is high. 6/6, 5/6 or 4/6 is acceptable level for the Adaptation of transplantation from umbilical cord blood.

How is stem cell transplantation done?

When autologous stem cell transplantation is done; in other words the recipient own stem cells are used for the transplantation first of all underlying disease should be recovered with chemotherapies. Then stem cells are collected from the patient with the help of some medicine according to used method of stem cell and they are frosted. On the day of stem cell transplantation, these frozen stem cells are thawed and given to the patient. For the allogeneic transplantation the disease is recovered with chemotherapy also, and then stem cells are collected from the patient with the help of some medicine according to used method of stem cell and given to the patient. In this way reconstruction and repairment of the damaged bone marrow stem cells are provided.

Koru Health Group which is reference center for health has opened Bone Marrow Transplantation Center and Hematology In-patient Service short while ago. At the same time 8 patients can receive service at Stem cell transplantation unit and 10 patients at hematology service. While center arrangements were making not only Directive of Bone Marrow Transplantation Centers and Bone Marrow Transplantation Tissue Information Processing Centers but also giving service with a unit and infrastructure at an international level was considered. One of the most important problems of the stem cell transplantation patients is infection. This problem is minimized with the help of advanced hepa filter system. All services are given in an isolated area, full equipped and ultra-comfortable rooms. Our purpose is providing a comfortable and peaceful process. Our center consists of;

Bone Marrow Transplantation polyclinic

Bone Marrow Transplantation Clinic

Apheresis Units

Stem cell Separation and Conservation

Blood Transfusion Center

Hematology Unit in-patient service and polyclinic.

Private Koru Ankara Hospital Stem cell Transplantation Center can give service for not only the patient from Turkey but also foreigners with experienced physicians, nurses, allied health personnel, psychological support team and polyglot translator support. Our hospital provides transfer from airport and accommodation services for the patients and their companions. The patient is examined by specialists, has a couple of analyses and then if the patient is found suitable for the transplantation he/she is admitted to the transplantation unit. All the departments of our hospital have an agreement with Social Security Institution (SSI).

Bone Marrow Transplantation Center:

Treatment of lymphoma, multiple myeloma, acute leukemia, aplastic anemia and other bone marrow deficiency, hemoglobinopathy, myelodysplasia and chronic myeloproliferative diseases is done successfully with stem cell transplantation.

What is stem cell?

Stem cell is a kind of cell which does not become special, different or functioned but has the ability of divisibility and self-perpetuation. They are the cells which form the all tissue and organ in our body. They produce hematopoietic stem cells, red blood cells (erythrocyte), buffy coat (white blood cell) and thrombocytes and send them to blood circulation system. There are much more in bone marrow and umbilical cord, less in peripheral blood.

In Ankara Private Koru Hospital, stem cell transplantation is a difficult and stressful process both for patients and their relatives. But it is a glimmer of hope, provides a healthy new life for many patients who are suffering from lymphatic gland cancer, bone marrow cancer and blood cancer which was terminal and had no treatment until a short while ago.