For patients whose BPDCN is well controlled by their initial treatment, an allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) may be done. This treatment introduces a new blood system in people with BPDCN. The new blood system has a new immune system that can help prevent cancer from coming back. Allogeneic SCT can offer longer-lasting remission for people with BPDCN, especially when done early. Allogenic SCT may not be suitable for everyone. Your care team will determine whether it is appropriate for you. 

What is an allogeneic stem cell transplant?

During an allogeneic SCT, healthy stem cells from a donor are transplanted into the patient's body. Donors can be related to the patient or not.

First, you will receive an intensive conditioning treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both. This conditioning treatment destroys any remaining cancer cells. It also weakens the body's immune system so that the donor cells can be accepted. 

The donor stem cells will rebuild your immune system and work to kill any remaining cancer cells. 

Recovering from an allogeneic stem cell transplant

Recovering from an allogeneic SCT takes time. It can take 12 to 18 months after you are discharged from the hospital to fully recover your immune system. You are at a higher risk of infection during this time. Extra precautions are needed to help prevent an infection. 

Risks of an allogeneic stem cell transplant

A serious complication of an allogeneic SCT is graft-versus-host disease. Acute GVHD typically occurs in the first 3 months following a stem cell transplant. It affects the skin, liver, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. 

Learn more about GVHD