High-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant Infoguide

This Infoguide contains information about high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (HDT-SCT), a treatment undertaken by many myeloma patients. The Infoguide gives information about all stages of the procedure, from considering the options and making a decision, through to longer-term recovery at home. The Infoguide discusses ‘autologous’ stem cell transplant (using the patient’s own stem cells). This is the main type of stem cell transplant used for myeloma patients.

“Hints and tips”: New to this edition is a selection of hints and tips given to us by patients who have undergone HDT-SCT, and by those close to them. These may help you as you prepare to undergo the treatment.

This Infoguide covers key questions and topics about HDT-SCT, including:

• What is HDT-SCT?
• What are its possible advantages and disadvantages?
• Considering the options and making a decision
• Induction, maintenance and consolidation treatments
• Mobilising and collecting your stem cells
• Receiving high-dose therapy and having your stem cells returned to you
• Recovery after HDT-SCT, in hospital and at home
• Emotional effects of HDT-SCT
• How do I know if my treatment has worked?
• Treatment for myeloma that has relapsed after HDT-SCT
• Hints and tips

Key points you can read about in this Infoguide include:

• High‑dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (HDT‑SCT) is an intensive treatment which many patients receive in the early stages of their myeloma
• The treatment involves collecting and storing stem cells from your blood, giving you a high dose of chemotherapy, and then returning your stem cells to you. The returned stem cells then start making new blood cells
• HDT-SCT is not suitable for everyone. For the right patients, it is considered a standard treatment which may give a long duration of remission. Your doctor will discuss how suitable it may be for you
• HDT-SCT can cause severe side effects and has a long recovery period. During this time, you will be carefully monitored and given supportive care
• You will receive induction treatment before the HDT-SCT and maintenance treatment afterwards
• When your blood counts are high enough, you have no signs of infection and you generally feel better, you should be able to leave hospital and continue recovery at home

High-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant Infoguide

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