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This section is about having a transplant using stem cells (early blood cells) that are given to you by another person (donor). This is called a donor stem cell transplant.
The medical term for this is an allogeneic transplant. It’s also sometimes called an allograft or a bone marrow transplant. We use the term donor stem cell transplant in this section.
Transplants can also be done using a person’s own stem cells - this is sometimes called an autologous stem cell transplant, or high-dose treatment with stem cell support|.
A donor stem cell transplant can be used to treat cancers such as lymphoma|, leukaemia| and myeloma|. It can also be used to treat some rare non-cancerous diseases of the bone marrow or immune system.
Donor stem cell transplants can be carried out in adults and children. This section is mainly for adults who are having a donor stem cell transplant.
But if you’re a parent whose child is going to have a donor stem cell transplant, we hope it helps you understand the different stages of the treatment. You may find it helpful to read our section about stem cell transplants in children|. You may also find our section children’s cancers| helpful.
We hope this information answers some of your questions and helps you deal with some of the feelings you may have. We can’t advise you about the best treatment for you. This information can only come from your doctor, who knows your full medical history.
If you’d like to discuss this information, call our cancer support specialists|. We also have information about other useful organisations|.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.