Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
A transplant using stem cells from a genetically different donor to cure blood cancers, which can replace diseased cells but risks donor cells attacking healthy tissue.
Not to be confused with: Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a medical procedure where stem cells from a genetically different donor (such as a matched sibling or unrelated person) are infused into a patient to replace diseased blood-forming cells. It is a standard curative treatment for blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia and lowers non-relapse mortality, but carries significant risks including chronic graft-versus-host disease where donor cells attack healthy tissue.
What this means in real life
A child with acute leukemia receives chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells, then receives bone marrow stem cells from a matched sibling donor. Over weeks, the donor cells establish themselves and begin producing healthy blood cells, potentially curing the leukemia.
What it isn’t
This is not a simple blood transfusion or a one-time injection. It requires intensive conditioning treatment, careful donor matching, and months of recovery with significant medical monitoring and risk of complications like graft rejection.
Commonly misused online
Social media often conflates this with embryonic stem cell therapy or presents it as a cure-all for any disease. In reality, it's a specialized procedure with specific indications, high risks, and success rates that vary greatly by condition and donor match.
Based on 2 reference sources, including reference sources. Last verified July 12, 2026.