Is stem cell transplant available on the NHS?

Yes. The NHS provides autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplants for many blood cancers and disorders. The British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BSBMT) sets standards. Clinical trials offer access to newer transplant techniques and post-transplant therapies.

How long does recovery take after a stem cell transplant?

Autologous transplant: typically 2-3 months to return to normal activities. Allogeneic transplant: 6-12 months for immune recovery, with ongoing monitoring for GvHD and relapse for years. Your transplant team will provide a personalised recovery plan.

What is the difference between stem cell transplant and bone marrow transplant?

They are essentially the same thing. "Stem cell transplant" is the modern term because stem cells are now usually collected from the bloodstream (peripheral blood stem cell collection) rather than directly from bone marrow. The source and collection method differ, but the transplant process is similar.

Can I work during a stem cell transplant trial?

Most patients need to stop work for several months. During the transplant itself, you'll be in hospital for 2-4 weeks. After discharge, you'll need to avoid crowds and public transport while your immune system recovers. Most people return to work 3-6 months after autologous transplant, 6-12 months after allogeneic.

Treatment Guide

Stem Cell Transplant Clinical Trials in the UK 2026 — Find Active Studies

26 May 2026 12 min read

90+

UK transplant trials

30+

Transplant centres

15+

Conditions

Stem cell transplantation (also called bone marrow transplant) remains a curative treatment for many blood cancers and disorders. The UK has one of the most advanced transplant networks in the world, with NHS Blood and Transplant coordinating donor searches and clinical trials driving innovation in transplant techniques, conditioning regimens, and post-transplant care.

Types of Stem Cell Transplant Trials

Autologous Transplant

Your own stem cells are collected, frozen, and returned after high-dose chemotherapy. Standard for relapsed lymphoma and myeloma. Trials focus on improved conditioning, maintenance therapy, and transplant timing.

Allogeneic Transplant

Stem cells from a matched donor (sibling, unrelated donor, or haploidentical/half-matched family member). Potentially curative for leukaemia, MDS, and aplastic anaemia. Trials focus on reducing graft-versus-host disease and improving donor matching.

Reduced-Intensity Conditioning

Lower-dose chemotherapy before transplant, making allogeneic transplant possible for older patients and those with comorbidities. Trials comparing conditioning regimens and testing new combinations.

Haploidentical Transplant

Using a half-matched donor (usually a family member) when a fully matched donor isn't available. This has dramatically expanded donor availability. UK trials are optimising protocols.

Conditions with Transplant Trials

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) — Allogeneic transplant can be curative; trials testing novel conditioning and post-transplant maintenance
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) — Transplant vs CAR-T decision trials; haploidentical approaches
Lymphoma — Autologous transplant as standard for relapsed DLBCL; trials combining with CAR-T
Multiple Myeloma — Autologous transplant remains standard of care for fit patients; trials testing tandem transplant and maintenance
Sickle Cell Disease — Curative allogeneic transplant; gene therapy alternatives in trials
Haemophilia — Gene-corrected stem cell trials aiming for cure
Autoimmune diseases — Emerging trials using stem cell transplant for severe MS, lupus, and scleroderma

The Transplant Process

Understanding what a transplant trial involves:

Assessment (1-2 weeks) — Comprehensive tests including heart, lungs, liver, kidney function, and dental review
Stem cell collection — For autologous: cells collected from your blood via apheresis. For allogeneic: donor cells collected or obtained from a stem cell registry
Conditioning (1-2 weeks in hospital) — High-dose chemotherapy (and sometimes radiotherapy) to destroy diseased cells and make space for new stem cells
Transplant day — Stem cells infused through a central line, similar to a blood transfusion. Takes 30 minutes to a few hours
Engraftment (2-4 weeks) — Waiting for new stem cells to start producing blood cells. You'll be in hospital with a very weak immune system
Recovery (months) — Gradual immune recovery. Regular follow-up, medications, and monitoring for complications

For allogeneic transplant: Finding a matched donor can take weeks to months. Anthony Nolan and the British Bone Marrow Registry coordinate donor searches. Haploidentical transplants have reduced the need for perfect matches.

Risks and Complications

Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) — The donor immune cells attack your tissues (allogeneic only). Can affect skin, liver, and gut. Acute GvHD occurs in the first 100 days; chronic GvHD can develop later
Infection — Your immune system is severely weakened for months. Strict precautions, prophylactic antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals are standard
Relapse — The original disease can return. Post-transplant maintenance therapies (like lenalidomide for myeloma) are tested in trials
Organ damage — High-dose conditioning can affect the liver, kidneys, and lungs. Careful monitoring throughout
Infertility — Conditioning often causes permanent infertility. Fertility preservation (egg/sperm banking) should be discussed before transplant

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