Blood and marrow stem cell transplantation is a treatment option for many forms of cancer and blood disorders and may be used in the treatment of some genetic or inherited illnesses. High doses of chemotherapy with or without radiation destroy cancer cells. This therapy also destroys the body's bone marrow.

In a transplant, healthy bone marrow and blood cells are infused to recover bone marrow function following high dose therapy. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found inside of bones. It produces the body's blood cells and cells of the immune system. The blood cells of the bone marrow, white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and others, all come from one type of cell called a "blood stem cell". These stem cells are found in the bone marrow and in circulating blood.

Adult and pediatric transplant programs

The Nebraska Medical Center performs both adult and pediatric blood and marrow stem cell transplants. Get more information about our adult and pediatric programs..

Types of stem cell transplants

Blood and marrow stem cell transplants are grouped into several categories based on how the stem cells are collected. These include:

• Bone marrow transplant - When the stem cells are collected from the bone marrow.
• Peripheral blood stem cell transplant - When the stem cells are collected from the peripheral blood.
• Autologous transplant - When a person's own stem cells are collected for transplant.
• Allogeneic transplant - When the stem cells are collected from a donor.

The autologous transplant process usually requires you to be in Omaha for approximately six weeks. The allogeneic transplant process usually requires you to be in Omaha for approximately one to two weeks prior to transplant and 100 days after the transplant.

If you would like more information about Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Services at The Nebraska Medical Center, you or your physician can contact us at (402)559-6406 or (402)559-7240.