An allogeneic stem cell transplant (ASCT) refers to the transplant of stem cells originating from a donor.
Patients are given high-dose chemotherapy to kill as many leukaemia cells as possible. This also destroys the bone marrow’s ability to make new blood cells.
With an ASCT, there is a chance of serious side effects. This is because the donor cells can attack the healthy tissues of the host in a process called graft-versus-host disease.
An ASCT is only performed in patients fit enough to tolerate the high‑dose chemotherapy and those with very aggressive CLL.
