How long does a stem cell transplant take to work for leukaemia?

Before the infusion, conditioning treatment makes space in the marrow and treats leukaemia cells. After infusion, the transplanted cells travel to the marrow and begin producing red cells, white cells, and platelets. The team follows blood counts, infection signs, bleeding, organ function, and signs of graft-versus-host disease when donor cells are used.

A rising blood count is one sign of engraftment, but it does not by itself show whether leukaemia is controlled. The team uses examinations, blood tests, and sometimes marrow testing to assess response and plan further care.

Take medicines exactly as prescribed, follow food and infection precautions, and attend blood-test appointments. Avoid crowds or activities advised against by the transplant unit, and check before taking non-prescribed medicines or supplements. Keep a written record of temperature, symptoms, medicines, and questions for the team.

Call the transplant unit immediately for fever, chills, new rash, diarrhoea, vomiting, mouth sores, bleeding, unusual bruising, worsening breathlessness, or confusion. Do not wait for the next appointment, because infections and transplant complications can worsen quickly when blood counts are low.

Ask: What signs show engraftment? When will marrow or blood testing assess response? Which symptoms require an immediate call? How long will infection precautions continue? When can normal activities and vaccinations be considered?