Auto vs Allo

In April 2006, Tim had an autologous stem cell transplant. That meant the doctors harvested his own stem cells after he achieved remission. Then he was given high dose chemotherapy and his stem cells were returned to him. The hope, with an autologous stem cell transplant, is that the chemotherapy will kill any remaining leukemia cells and his bone marrow will "reset" and function correctly.

This time, Tim will receive an allogenic stem cell transplant. He will receive donor stem cells (Julie's) after his own immune system has been suppressed by a combination (we think) of lower dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation. In our meeting with Dr. Tallman yesterday, we learned that in an allogenic transplant, it is the donor immune system that is supposed to kill any remaining leukemia. The danger is that the donor immune system will also attack Tim's internal organs and kill him. To prevent that, Tim will receiving immuno-suppressants during the transplant and for up to a year afterward.

Dr. Tallman is still waiting on the bone biopsy of February 19 to make any final decisions regarding timing, but he now believes that the transplant will take place sometime in mid-March. We toured the transplant floor with Jenny, the coordinator, yesterday. It is a very nice facility, very bright, with large rooms. After they decide on the date, Tim will have his final pre-transplant tests and a couple of pre-transplant appointments with the transplant team downtown.