Off page_ Known About The Side Effects of Stem Cell Therapy

1. Known About The Side Effects of Stem Cell Therapy Stem cell and bone marrow transplants are known to be complex treatment procedures that can carry significant risks and serious complications. It is crucial to be aware of both the benefits as well as the risks before starting the treatment. furthermore, before starting the treatment it is important to discuss all the important things with your doctor in charge. Let us delve more in detail into the side effects of stem cell therapy. Overview of Stem Cell Transplant Stem cell transplants are the type of procedure in which blood-forming stem cell in the body is replaced with a new healthy bone marrow. This can either be from your own blood or from a donor. Stem Cell Transplant may be used to: ● Allow for safe high-dose chemotherapy or radiation by rebuilding or saving the bone marrow that has been destroyed by cancer treatment. ● Replace dysfunctional bone marrow with new, functioning stem cells. ● Infuse your body with new stem cells to immediately kill cancer cells. Stem cell transplant is also used to treat a certain type of cancers that affect the blood and lymphatic systems, autoimmune diseases, and hereditary blood disorders. The procedure also helps individuals and patients to recover and tolerate cancer treatment such as radiation therapy and chemo. Prior to the transplant, your doctors will need to prepare your body to receive the new stem cells. We refer to this as the conditioning or preparatory regimen. It entails receiving radiation

2. and chemotherapy a few days prior to your transplant. In this step, your immune system is suppressed and your sick cells are destroyed, enabling your healthy blood stem cells to start making new blood cells. It will take a few weeks for the transplanted stem cells to begin producing healthy red blood cells after a stem cell transplant. We refer to this as engraftment. Side Effects of Stem Cell Transplant The type of transplant, your age, the illness or condition that needs the transplant, and your overall health can affect your chance of experiencing adverse effects. It is common for side effects to worsen within the first few days or weeks following chemotherapy. As soon as your blood counts start to climb, you'll start to feel better. Stem cell transplant side effects can arise from either the chemotherapy administered as part of the preparative regimen or the transplant procedure itself. These side effects encompass a range of symptoms. ● Infections: Post-treatment, transplant recipients have weakened immune systems, necessitating precautions such as the use of antibiotics. ● Increased risk of bleeding: Platelet levels drop after treatment, increasing the likelihood of bleeding due to impaired blood clotting. Bruising may occur more easily. ● Anemia: Red blood cell count decreases after treatment, requiring daily monitoring by the transplant team. Low levels may result in fatigue or breathlessness, potentially necessitating a blood transfusion. ● Fatigue: Significant fatigue is common post-transplant, especially during the initial weeks when blood cell counts are at their lowest. Energy levels will gradually improve but expect prolonged tiredness for up to a couple of years. ● Hair loss: Patients who undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy before a stem cell transplant may experience hair loss, which should reverse after treatment. ● Weight loss: Cancer and its treatments can alter taste and smell, reduce appetite, and affect nutrient absorption. Most stem cell transplant patients will face eating and drinking challenges due to side effects. ● Nausea and vomiting: These are common side effects of chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy, but there are medications available to manage these symptoms.

3. These medications can be taken orally or intravenously before undergoing a stem cell transplant. ● Diarrhea: It is a frequent issue for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation, characterized by loose and watery bowel movements. The most severe cases of diarrhea typically occur within the initial weeks following the transplant. ● Mouth sores: They are a common occurrence post stem cell transplant, often resulting in a sore mouth and ulcers. Mouthwashes, lozenges, and ice cubes can be used to alleviate discomfort and prevent infections. ● Graft versus host disease (GVHD): It is a condition where the immune cells from the donor attack the recipient's cells, or vice versa. This can happen shortly after the transplant or even years later. Immunosuppressant drugs are often prescribed to manage GVHD, which can manifest in acute or chronic forms. ● Infertility: Loss of fertility is a significant and enduring consequence of undergoing a transplant procedure. This unfortunate outcome hinders the ability to conceive or father a child naturally. However, there are available options for both men and women to preserve their fertility prior to undergoing stem cell transplant treatment. Take Away While offering great healing blessings for diverse cancers, autoimmune illnesses, and blood problems, like every treatment stem cell transplant comes with large risks and side effects. The preparatory regimen, along with chemotherapy and radiation, also plays an important role in the achievement of the transplant but additionally contributes to lots of these unfavorable outcomes for patients. Patients need to engage in thorough discussions with their healthcare group to weigh the advantages and risks and to develop a complete plan for dealing with facet effects and helping recovery. By being well-informed and prepared, an individual can better navigate the complexities of stem cell transplant treatment. Reference https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/bone-marrow-stem-cell-transplant s/side-effects https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/stem-cell-transplant/transpl ant-side-effects.html

4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stem-cell-transplant/risks/