Leukemia Stem Cell Transplantation Research & Clinical Trials
Discover advances in stem cell transplantation for leukemia treatment. Explore research improving transplant outcomes, reducing complications, and making this life-saving treatment safer and more accessible. Learn about reduced-intensity protocols, graft-versus-host disease prevention, and ongoing clinical trials.
Understanding Stem Cell Transplantation for Leukemia
Stem cell transplantation (also called bone marrow transplant) is a treatment option for many leukemia patients, particularly those with high-risk or relapsed disease. The procedure replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, providing a new immune system that can fight leukemia.
While stem cell transplantation can be life-saving, it's a complex procedure with significant risks including graft-versus-host disease, infections, and organ damage. Research continues to improve transplant safety and effectiveness, making it accessible to more patients while reducing complications.
Types of Stem Cell Transplantation
Allogeneic Transplant
Uses stem cells from a donor (related or unrelated). The new immune system can help fight leukemia through a "graft-versus-leukemia" effect, but requires immunosuppression to prevent rejection.
Autologous Transplant
Uses the patient's own stem cells collected before high-dose chemotherapy. Lower risk of complications but no graft-versus-leukemia benefit.
Active Stem Cell Transplantation Research
Outcomes of Measurable Residual Disease in Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia before and after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: Validation of Difference from Normal Flow Cytometry with Chimerism Studies and Wilms Tumor 1 Gene Expression.
Principal Investigator: Dr. David A Jacobsohn
Institution: Lurie Children's Hospital
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Timeline
Start: January 2017
Completion: December 2020
Recent Advances in Stem Cell Transplantation
Reduced-Intensity Conditioning
Newer protocols use less intensive chemotherapy before transplant, making the procedure accessible to older patients and those with medical conditions who couldn't previously tolerate transplantation. Research shows these approaches maintain effectiveness while reducing complications.
Better GVHD Prevention
Improved strategies for preventing graft-versus-host disease are reducing this serious complication while maintaining the beneficial graft-versus-leukemia effect. New drugs and protocols show promise in better balancing these competing priorities.
Improved Donor Matching
Advances in HLA (tissue) matching and donor selection are improving transplant outcomes. Expanded donor registries and better matching algorithms help more patients find suitable donors.