stem cell rescue

Definition of stem cell rescue

stem cell rescue (stem sel REH-skyoo): A method of replacing blood-forming stem cells that were destroyed by treatment with high doses of anticancer drugs or radiation therapy. The stem cells help the bone marrow recover and make healthy blood cells. A stem cell rescue may allow more chemotherapy or radiation therapy to be given so that more cancer cells are killed. It is usually done using the patient’s own stem cells that were saved before treatment. Also called rescue transplant.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms