Hi,
My stem cells were harvested five years ago following my multiple myeloma diagnosis.
Fortunately, I'm now in CR following VD and VTD without the need for ASCT.
I was wondering, how long can stem cells can be stored for future use?
Thanks,
ST
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Re: How long Stem-cells can be stored?
Hi ST,
My original stem cells were collected in 1989 and are still in storage in Little Rock. Before that I had the old fashioned BM harvest collected in Houston- where they make many many aspiratations and freeze these as a source of stem cells. I was probably one of the earliest peripheral blood collections for myeloma at the time, it was still pretty novel back then.
Recently I relapsed and my doctors decided that because my stem cells were about 22 years old it was safest to do another harvest which is also stored just in case I need a transplant. I'm doing well, back in remission now just with CyBortD (cytoxan, bortezomib, dex).
I now have enough peripheral stem cells for ~5-6 transplants between the two collections.
My understanding is that they have done studies showing that stems as old as 17 years have been used successfully for transplants. The assumption is that stem cells are good indefinately but I think it depends on how well they are taken care of.
They do viability studies before they transplant , so they won't knock out your immune system until they are sure your stem cells are good- no matter what- so I wouldn't worry about cells that are only 5 years old. At least thats what I assume everyone does, I've always dealt with the top institution for myeloma.
If I do need a transplant I'm torn between using my old cells (from an immune system that gave me a 22 yr remission) or the new ones. My doctor and I can have a lively debate on this and decide between us if we need to.
Part of me likes the idea that my new immune system would be 31 years old again even though I'm much older than that today.
So the bottom line ST is your cells are at least good for 17 years (if stored properly), they will/should check before they use them and hopefully you can deal with another collection 12 years from today without using those stored now- just to be on the safe side.
I hope this helps, all my best wishes for a long, long remission
Dan
Shayt wrote:
> Hi,
> My stem cells were harvested five years ago following my multiple myeloma
> diagnosis.
> Fortunately, I'm now in CR following VD and VTD without the need for ASCT.
> I was wondering, how long can stem cells can be stored for future use?
>
> Thanks,
> ST
My original stem cells were collected in 1989 and are still in storage in Little Rock. Before that I had the old fashioned BM harvest collected in Houston- where they make many many aspiratations and freeze these as a source of stem cells. I was probably one of the earliest peripheral blood collections for myeloma at the time, it was still pretty novel back then.
Recently I relapsed and my doctors decided that because my stem cells were about 22 years old it was safest to do another harvest which is also stored just in case I need a transplant. I'm doing well, back in remission now just with CyBortD (cytoxan, bortezomib, dex).
I now have enough peripheral stem cells for ~5-6 transplants between the two collections.
My understanding is that they have done studies showing that stems as old as 17 years have been used successfully for transplants. The assumption is that stem cells are good indefinately but I think it depends on how well they are taken care of.
They do viability studies before they transplant , so they won't knock out your immune system until they are sure your stem cells are good- no matter what- so I wouldn't worry about cells that are only 5 years old. At least thats what I assume everyone does, I've always dealt with the top institution for myeloma.
If I do need a transplant I'm torn between using my old cells (from an immune system that gave me a 22 yr remission) or the new ones. My doctor and I can have a lively debate on this and decide between us if we need to.
Part of me likes the idea that my new immune system would be 31 years old again even though I'm much older than that today.
So the bottom line ST is your cells are at least good for 17 years (if stored properly), they will/should check before they use them and hopefully you can deal with another collection 12 years from today without using those stored now- just to be on the safe side.
I hope this helps, all my best wishes for a long, long remission
Dan
Shayt wrote:
> Hi,
> My stem cells were harvested five years ago following my multiple myeloma
> diagnosis.
> Fortunately, I'm now in CR following VD and VTD without the need for ASCT.
> I was wondering, how long can stem cells can be stored for future use?
>
> Thanks,
> ST
-
Dan in Phoenix
Re: How long Stem-cells can be stored?
Thanks Dan..
I wonder what is the official Mayo/MD Anderson /UAMS and other leading institutes policy?
ST
I wonder what is the official Mayo/MD Anderson /UAMS and other leading institutes policy?
ST
Re: How long Stem-cells can be stored?
Hello,
I was told that the shelf life of the stemcell is 5 years. We just did the procedure this past christmas. We are in singapore. This might be different in other places?
Best of luck.
I was told that the shelf life of the stemcell is 5 years. We just did the procedure this past christmas. We are in singapore. This might be different in other places?
Best of luck.
Re: How long Stem-cells can be stored?
I cannot speak for other Cancer centers, but at Moffitt we keep them for 5 years. That however, does not mean that they cannot be stored longer. We offer patients the option of moving them to a private facility (I do not know the details around that).
-
Dr. Ken Shain - Name: Ken Shain, M.D., Ph.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: How long Stem-cells can be stored?
My stem cells are stored at the University of Michigan Hospital. They indicated they could be stored at least 10 years.
-
Kevin J - Name: Kevin J
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: How long Stem-cells can be stored?
My cells were stored at Siteman Cancer Center in St Louis MO and I was told 10 years.
-
Pam
Re: How long Stem-cells can be stored?
My stem cells were harvested & frozen @ Mayo clinic in MN. 12yrsago & told they are there if I need them.... So I am assuming they are still good! 
KathyC
KathyC
8 posts
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