Which of the following is true about stem cell transplants for leukemia?

• A. They only use stem cells from the patient
• B. They can replace leukemia cells with new blood-making stem cells
• C. They are ineffective against bone-marrow cancers
• D. They always result in complete recovery without complications

Answer: (B)

Stem cell transplants for leukemia are designed to replace the abnormal leukemia cells with healthy blood-making stem cells. This is achieved through a process where either the patient's own stem cells (autologous transplant) or donor stem cells (allogeneic transplant) are used to reestablish healthy blood production. The primary goal is to generate a new population of healthy blood cells that can replace the defective ones causing leukemia.

Successful stem cell transplants can provide a new supply of healthy hematopoietic stem cells, which are responsible for producing all types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This can help to restore normal blood function and improve the overall health of individuals suffering from leukemia.

Other options may contain misconceptions; for example, transplants do not strictly use only the patient’s own stem cells, and they can be effective therapies even in the context of bone marrow cancers, but they do not always guarantee complete recovery and can come with various risks and complications.