What is the difference between autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation?
Autologous transplantation uses the patient’s previously collected cells; allogeneic transplantation uses a suitable donor’s cells. Goals and risks differ by disease. Donor immunity may help control disease, but can also attack the recipient’s tissues.
Details
Autologous transplantation
Stored cells restore blood formation after intensive treatment. Donor-derived graft-versus-host disease is generally not an issue, but infection, bleeding, organ toxicity and other complications remain possible. Disease can still relapse.
Allogeneic transplantation
Selection requires tissue matching and donor assessment, not just matching blood groups. A relative, unrelated donor or another cell source may be used. Treatment plans address graft-versus-host disease, infections and relapse.
Neither is universally preferable
Indications depend on the disease, stage, previous treatment, fitness and donor availability. Ask why one approach is recommended and how it affects recovery, fertility, vaccination and work. Another person’s transplant experience may not apply to your condition.
Related reading: When is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant needed?.