What type of stem cell transplant uses the patient's own previously stored cells?

The correct selection is autologous stem cell transplant, which refers to a procedure where stem cells are collected from a patient, stored, and then later reintroduced into the same patient after their treatment, typically for conditions like certain cancers or blood disorders. This approach is beneficial because it reduces the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and other complications associated with using cells from a donor, improving the likelihood of a successful recovery.

In an autologous transplant, the patient's own cells are used, which means they are not viewed as foreign by the immune system, allowing for a more seamless integration following the transplant. This is particularly advantageous in ensuring the patient’s body accepts the cells without significant adverse reactions, which could be problematic when using cells from another individual.

This contrasts with other types of stem cell transplants like allogeneic, which involve cells from a related or unrelated donor, syngeneic involving cells from an identical twin, and homologous which is a less commonly used term referring to cells from the same species that might not necessarily be specific to surgical or therapeutic contexts relevant to stem cells. Understanding these definitions provides a clearer picture of the intricacies of stem cell transplantation and the advantages of using autologous cells.