Some of the complications associated with a stem cell transplant are not apparent until several months, or even years after treatment. Most of them resolve with time, but others may be permanent and need attention long-term.
Late Effects of Transplant
Late effects of transplant may include:
- chronic graft-versus-host disease (if you were transplanted with cells from a donor)
- learning, memory and attention problems
- chronic fatigue
- sleep issues
- sexual difficulties
- infertility
- cataracts
Less frequently, patients experience
- breathing problems
- peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling in hands and feet)
- dental problems
- muscular or skeletal problems
- heart problems
- kidney disorders
- secondary cancers
No one experiences all of these complications. Your risk for developing problems after transplant will depend on your disease, type of transplant you had, your age and prior treatment history. Many complications are preventable with proper screening and preventive measures.
Watch a video about complications that can arise long-term after a transplant with donor cells (an allogeneic transplant).
Autologous stem cell transplants (a transplant using your own stem cells) has some different long-term risks than those associated with a transplant using donor cells.
Watch a video about complications that can arise long-term after a transplant using your own cells (an autologous transplant).
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