The Syngeneic Stem Cell Transplant uses the stem cells from your identical twin to replace your abnormal bone marrow. Prior to the stem cells transplant, you will receive high doses of radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or even both, in order to destroy all of your cancer cells as well as the normal blood cells in your bone marrow. Then you receive the new stem cells, which are healthy and free of cancer cells and will produce their own immune cells. These immune cells will therefore help fight any cancer cells remaining after high dose treatment. If more stem cells are needed, your identical twin will be recalled. In addition, in this type of transplant, the Graft-Versus-Host-Disease (GVHD), in which the transplanted cells attack your body cells, is not an issue because the tissue type of your donor is exactly identical to yours.
Advantage
- Graft-Versus-Host-Disease (GVHD) will not be an issue as donor’s tissue type matches 100 percent with recipient.
Disadvantage
- This type of transplant will not destroy the cancer cells as both newly infused stem cells are identical to patient’s own cells.