What is the primary advantage of autologous stem cell recovery and reinfusion?

What is the primary advantage of autologous stem cell recovery and reinfusion?

• A. It slows the rate of rejection of transplanted cells
• B. It prevents graft-versus-host disease
• C. No HLA testing is required
• D. Engraftment occurs in a more efficient sequence

Answer: (B)

The primary advantage of autologous stem cell recovery and reinfusion is that it prevents graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In this procedure, stem cells are harvested from the patient’s own body, and there is no foreign tissue involved in the transplantation. This greatly reduces the risk of the immune system identifying the transplanted cells as foreign and mounting an immune response against them, which is the characteristic issue seen in GVHD when donor cells are used. Therefore, by utilizing the patient’s own cells, the likelihood of an immune-mediated reaction resulting in GVHD is significantly minimized. In contrast, while HLA testing can be critical in allogeneic transplants (where donor cells are used), it becomes irrelevant in the case of autologous transplants. However, the prevention of GVHD is a more pronounced advantage, as this condition can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not managed properly. The other choices may pertain to some aspects of stem cell transplantation but do not capture the essential advantage of using autologous cells. For instance, the idea that no HLA testing is required is accurate in autologous situations but does not offer the same level of impact on the patient’s health as preventing GVHD. Likewise, the statements

The primary advantage of autologous stem cell recovery and reinfusion is that it prevents graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In this procedure, stem cells are harvested from the patient’s own body, and there is no foreign tissue involved in the transplantation. This greatly reduces the risk of the immune system identifying the transplanted cells as foreign and mounting an immune response against them, which is the characteristic issue seen in GVHD when donor cells are used. Therefore, by utilizing the patient’s own cells, the likelihood of an immune-mediated reaction resulting in GVHD is significantly minimized.

In contrast, while HLA testing can be critical in allogeneic transplants (where donor cells are used), it becomes irrelevant in the case of autologous transplants. However, the prevention of GVHD is a more pronounced advantage, as this condition can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not managed properly.

The other choices may pertain to some aspects of stem cell transplantation but do not capture the essential advantage of using autologous cells. For instance, the idea that no HLA testing is required is accurate in autologous situations but does not offer the same level of impact on the patient’s health as preventing GVHD. Likewise, the statements