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This information is about having high-dose treatment with chemotherapy| - and sometimes radiotherapy| - and using your own stem cells| (early blood cells) to replace the blood cells.
This is usually called high-dose treatment with stem cell support, which is the term we use. It’s also sometimes called an autologous stem cell transplant, an autograft or a bone marrow transplant.
High-dose treatment with stem cell support can be used to treat different cancers, including myeloma|, teratoma (tumours composed of tissues not normally found at the site) and some types of lymphoma| and leukaemia|. It can also be used as treatment for some non-cancerous conditions.
We have separate information about treatment using stem cells from someone else (a donor)|.
High-dose treatment with stem cell support can be carried out in adults and in children|. This information is mainly for adults who are having this treatment. But if you’re a parent whose child is going to have high-dose treatment with stem cell support, we hope it helps you understand the different stages of the treatment.
High-dose treatment with stem cell support is usually given following initial (standard dose) treatment and is sometimes known as consolidation.
High-dose treatment with stem cell support is used to destroy any remaining cancer cells. It can increase the chances of curing certain types of cancer| or leukaemia.
It can also be given to help keep the cancer in remission (which happens when there are no signs of the cancer) for as long as possible.
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.