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Originally Posted by stayinghopeful
I have been doing some reading and I was wondering what the difference between stem cell transplant and bone marrow transplant is?
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The method for collecting the cells is different. Harvesting bone marrow requires the donor to have general anesthesia. In contrast, stem cells are collected from circulating blood (for the donor it's like donating blood), but a drug (filgrastim, brand name Neupogen) is usually given to the donor ahead of time to cause more stem cells to enter the circulating blood.
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Can they both be used to cure MDS?
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Yes, the patient experience is the same for a bone marrow transplant or a stem cell transplant. The choice between them may depend on the donor's preference and the protocols of the transplant center.
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Is finding a match based on the same markers?
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Yes.
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Also, will doctors do a special private test for my dads sibilings and children or does everyone have to register as a donor through the website beforehand?
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It's private. They don't have to join the bone marrow registry to be tested as possible matches for your father.