Stem cell transplant for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours

A stem cell transplant replaces stem cells. It uses chemotherapy at very high doses to kill all of the cells in the bone marrow. This includes both healthy cells and cancer cells. After high-dose chemotherapy, healthy stem cells are given to replace the ones in the bone marrow that were killed.

Stem cells are found in bone marrow, blood and the umbilical cord. They are basic cells that develop into different types of cells that have different jobs. For example, all of our blood cells develop from blood stem cells.

This treatment is used to replace stem cells when stem cells or bone marrow or both are damaged. A stem cell transplant is very risky and complex, and it must be done in a special transplant centre.

A stem cell transplant is sometimes used to treat certain types of childhood brain and spinal cord tumours if they come back (recur) after other treatments.

The stem cells are taken from your child's own bone marrow or blood. They are frozen and stored. After chemotherapy is given, the stem cells are thawed and given back to the child.

Side effects of a stem cell transplant will depend mainly on the type of chemotherapy or drug combination given, if radiation therapy was given, the type of transplant and your child's overall health. Tell the healthcare team if your child has any side effects that you think are from a stem cell transplant. The sooner you tell them of any problems, the sooner they can suggest ways to help your child.

Side effects of stem cell transplant include:

• low blood cell counts, which can cause infection, bleeding and anemia
• veno-occlusive disease (VOD)
• digestive system problems, including sore mouth and throat, loss of appetite and diarrhea
• skin problems
• pain
• organ problems, such as kidney problems, lung problems or heart problems

Other side effects can develop months or years after treatment for brain and spinal cord tumours. Find out more about late effects of treatments for childhood brain and spinal cord tumours.

Find out more about stem cell transplant and side effects of stem cell transplant. To make the decisions that are right for your child, ask your child's healthcare team questions about stem cell transplant.