The process begins with the collection of stem cells from either the patient or a donor. These cells are typically harvested from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood. Once collected, the patient undergoes a conditioning regimen that includes high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to eradicate cancerous cells and suppress the immune system. Following conditioning, the harvested stem cells are infused into the patient’s bloodstream, where they migrate to the bone marrow and begin to produce new, healthy blood cells.
