When is stem cell transplant recommended for leukaemia?

A transplant replaces blood-forming stem cells after intensive treatment designed to clear leukaemia cells and make space in the bone marrow. The cells may come from a matched donor or, in some situations, from the person receiving treatment. The approach depends on the leukaemia subtype, response to treatment, genetic findings, remission status, age, organ health, and donor availability.

Transplant can involve prolonged monitoring and risks such as infection, organ effects, infertility, and graft-versus-host disease after a donor transplant. The team balances these concerns against the risk posed by the leukaemia and discusses other treatments when transplant is not suitable.

Ask the haematology team whether your leukaemia is in remission, how relapse risk is assessed, and whether donor or other transplant testing should begin. Bring details of infections, heart or lung conditions, medicines, vaccinations, fertility wishes, and family support.

Discuss the conditioning treatment, hospital stay, transfusion needs, infection precautions, fertility preservation, and follow-up. Read about [Leukaemia](/conditions/leukaemia/) and [Stem Cell Transplant](/treatments/cellular-and-transplant-therapy/stem-cell-transplant/) before your appointment.

During leukaemia treatment or after transplant, contact the clinical team promptly for fever, chills, new bleeding, unusual bruising, severe diarrhoea, rash, mouth sores, or worsening breathlessness. Do not wait for the next appointment when infection or graft-versus-host disease is possible.

What feature of my leukaemia makes transplant worth considering? Am I in remission? Is a donor available? What are the main short-term and long-term effects? What alternatives exist, and how would each option affect fertility, daily life, and follow-up?