Sometimes the first sign that recovery is still unfolding is a moment that feels slightly different than it used to.
For people who undergo an allogeneic stem cell transplant (a transplant using donor stem cells), recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. As the new immune system settles in and the body continues to heal, changes in health can emerge months or even years after transplant.
In this episode of Thrive!, we take a closer look at life after an allogeneic transplant and the long-term health considerations that can develop over time. Guided by Dr. John McCarty, Medical Director of the Cellular Immunotherapy and Transplant Program at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center, this Deep Dive explores what “late effects” really means, why long-term follow-up care can extend for years, and how survivors can better understand the role of monitoring, prevention, and communication in protecting long-term health.
In this week’s news update, we examine recent research reviewed in The Washington Post exploring whether dietary supplements help prevent cancer and what large clinical trials have actually shown. We also highlight BMT InfoNet’s GVHD Support Groups for transplant survivors — a resource designed to offer connection and guidance for those living with graft-versus-host disease.
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CHAPTER MARKERS
00:00 Welcome
00:54 Updates — Small Movements, Meaningful Impact
02:54 A Quick Note
04:02 Something That May Help — GVHD Adult Support Groups
05:27 Deep Dive — Cold Open
06:43 Deep Dive — Your Health After an Allogeneic Transplant
08:11 Deep Dive — What Is an Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant?
10:12 Deep Dive — The Importance of Long-Term Follow-Up
11:55 Deep Dive — How to Reduce Long-Term Risks
14:40 Deep Dive — Quality of Life
17:07 Deep Dive — What to Know About New Cancers After Transplant
18:48 Deep Dive — Living Well After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
22:03 Deep Dive — Takeaways
23:19 One Last Thought
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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Deep Dive Presentation
Dr. John McCarty — Limiting Late Effects Following a Transplant Using Donor Cells (Allogeneic)
https://bmtinfonet.org/archived-video/limiting-late-effects-following-transplant-using-donor-cells-allogeneic
News Article Mentioned
Washington Post — What Science Says About Cancer and Supplements
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2026/02/02/can-supplements-reduce-cancer-risk/
Something That May Help
BMT InfoNet — GVHD Support Groups for Survivors
https://bmtinfonet.org/support-group-list
Join the BMT InfoNet Facebook Community
https://www.facebook.com/bonemarrowstemcelltransplantclub
Email Us
thrive@bmtinfonet.org
Links were active at the time of publication.
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