Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) is a medical procedure used to treat various blood disorders, including certain types of cancer like leukemia and lymphoma. It involves replacing damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, which can develop into different types of blood cells. These stem cells can be sourced from the patient (autologous transplant) or from a donor (allogeneic transplant).
The process typically includes several steps: first, the patient undergoes chemotherapy or radiation to eliminate unhealthy cells. Next, healthy stem cells are infused into the patient's bloodstream, where they migrate to the bone marrow and begin to produce new blood cells. This treatment can help restore the body's ability to fight infections and produce blood components.