Peripheral blood stem cells play a vital role in treating blood cancers such as leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. These stem cells also help restore the body’s ability to produce blood cells following high-dose radiation or chemotherapy. Nearly 50,000 PBSC transplants are performed annually which highlight their importance in modern medicine. PBSCs have revamped leukemia treatment by providing a less invasive procedure with faster recovery compared to traditional bone marrow transplants.
How do PBSCs Work?
Stem cells are immature cells that you can find in the bone marrow. They are responsible for producing all blood cells in the body. These stem cells can easily transform into white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets. White blood cells are a crucial part of the immune system. They defend the body against infections by attacking harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which binds oxygen in the lungs and transports it to tissues, while platelets play a critical role in blood clotting and wound healing.
A few types of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, may damage the body’s stem cells. A peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT) replaces stem cells that have been already destroyed by cancer treatment. This process not only restores the body’s ability to produce essential blood components but also strengthens the immune system to help combat infections post-treatment. The process helps replace them with healthy new stem cells from the peripheral blood of an individual or another donor.
Stem cells are usually collected before an individual’s cancer treatment. Later, the cells are infused into your bloodstream after the treatment. They can easily travel to your bone marrow and assist with the creation of new blood cells. The infused stem cells also help reestablish the bone marrow’s ability to produce vital blood cells, reducing the chances of life-threatening complications such as severe anemia or infections.
Currently, there are two specific types of stem cell transplants:
Autologous Transplant:
This procedure involves using stem cells that are collected from your own blood, only to be returned to your body. It minimizes the risk of immune rejection since the cells originate from the patient’s own body.
Allogeneic Transplant:
Benefits of Using Peripheral Blood Stem Cells in Leukemia Treatment
Peripheral blood stem cells are the most effective in treating leukemia in patients. Here’s how these stem cells help with treatment procedures:
Quicker Recovery Time:
One of the key advantages of using peripheral blood stem cells in leukemia treatment is the faster recovery time compared to traditional bone marrow transplants. PBSCs can begin producing blood cells more quickly than bone marrow stem cells.
Less Invasive Procedure:
The PBSC collection process is less invasive than bone marrow collection. While bone marrow extraction requires a surgical procedure, PBSCs are harvested through a process called apheresis. Here, blood is drawn from the patient or donor, stem cells are separated, and the same blood is returned to the body. This technique is more convenient and carries fewer risks, making it a preferred choice for donors and patients.
Lower Risk of Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD):
PBSC transplants tend to have a lower risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) than bone marrow transplants. These stem cells contain fewer mature immune cells. It reduces the chances of severe complications, allowing for better overall tolerance and a more predictable recovery.
PBSCs for a Healthier Tomorrow
The recent advancements in leukemia treatment prove the benefits of peripheral blood stem cells. Ongoing research continues to explore innovative ways to optimize PBSC transplantation, including improvements in donor matching, conditioning regimens, and post-transplant care, to further enhance patient outcomes. However, you must approach the correct platform to seek help with these stem cell treatments or therapies.
Cryoviva Life Sciences is an excellent option here where the experts can assist you with your queries. If you want to know more about the usage of PBSCs or stem cell therapy, contact us now for further assistance.
Comments