Why might someone need a second stem cell transplant?
The policy currently published by NHS England, reference 16068/P, says that a second transplant following relapse will be routinely funded only where:
the patient is in complete remission;
the disease returned more than 12 months after the first transplant; and
the patient is clinically fit enough to undergo the treatment, as determined by a multidisciplinary team.
The policy states patients whose disease returns within 12 months should not be considered for a routinely commissioned second transplant, and also goes on to say that a further allogeneic transplant should not be offered if a patient relapses following their second transplant.
