Admission Phase of the Stem Cell Transplant Process

Stem cell transplant patients are admitted to Phoenix Children's Hospital approximately one week before the day of his or her scheduled stem cell transplant.

This phase of the stem cell transplant process often includes:

• Preparation for "Day 0" (the day of the transplant)
• Medications
• Total body irradiation (TBI) prior to Day 0

Learn more about the pre-admission and discharge phases.

The Admission Process

Upon arrival for admission, stem cell transplant patients begin a preparative or "conditioning" regimen (that may include radiation and/or chemotherapy) to prepare the body for new bone marrow.

Each child's individual regimen is determined by the medical team that is created during the pre-admission workup, as it is specific to the particular treatment. Here is an example of a complete process:

• The first three days: Patients that require radiation as part of their preparatory regimen undergo radiation treatment.
• The next 3–4 days: Patients that require chemotherapy under that treatment.
• The next 1–2 days: The child rests before undergoing the transplant.
• Day 0: The transplant is performed.
• Following days: The child rests, preparing for engraftment and discharge.

The medical team will watch the child closely during the preparatory regimen to provide support, answer questions, and to minimize side effects of the treatment.

Everyone responds to his or her preparatory regimen differently. A child's response depends on his or her physical condition before treatment, the treatment and dosages received, and the treatments received in the past.

It is very important that the patient and his or her family tell the medical team about any side effects they have during their hospital stay.

If you have any questions about the admission phase or any other part of the stem cell transplant process, please contact us.