What is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant?

Stem cells are collected from the bloodstream, or less often from the bone marrow.

A transplant using your own stem cells

This transplant uses your own stem cells to replace blood cells destroyed by high doses of chemotherapy and other treatments. 

A transplant using a donor’s stem cells

When you have a stem cell transplant using another person’s stem cells, it is called an allogeneic transplant.

Who can donate stem cells or bone marrow?

Find out who can be a stem cell or bone marrow donor, and how to register.

Total body irradiation (TBI)

Radiotherapy to the whole body is called total body irradiation or TBI.

Side effects of a stem cell or bone marrow transplant

The side effects of a stem cell or bone marrow transplant include infection, bleeding, sickness and diarrhoea.

Resources and organisations

There are lots of organisations, support groups and helpful books to help you cope with a transplant and its side effects.

Last reviewed: 
09 Nov 2022
Next review due: 
09 Nov 2025