Donor stem cells work by replacing the patient's diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This process, known as an allogeneic stem cell transplant, serves multiple purposes:
1. Bone Marrow Replacement: The transplanted stem cells engraft in the patient's bone marrow and begin producing healthy blood cells. 2. Immunotherapy: The donor's immune cells can help to target and destroy residual cancer cells, a phenomenon known as the graft-versus-tumor effect. 3. Restoration of Immune Function: This is crucial for patients who have undergone intensive chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can severely compromise the immune system.
