Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Self-derived, self-donated, autogenous, autogenic, self-to-self, patient-derived, self-sourced
Definition
Autologous refers to a medical procedure or treatment in which cells, tissues, or other biological materials are derived from the same individual who will receive them.1 The term originates from the Greek roots “auto” (self) and “logos” (relation), essentially meaning “relating to self.”2 In medical contexts, autologous procedures involve the collection, processing, and subsequent reintroduction of a patient’s own biological materials back into their body for therapeutic purposes.3
Autologous treatments are distinguished by the fact that the donor and recipient are the same person, eliminating concerns about immunological incompatibility or rejection that may occur with materials from other individuals.4 This approach is commonly utilized in various medical fields, including hematology, oncology, orthopedics, and regenerative medicine, where a patient’s own cells or tissues are harvested, sometimes modified or expanded, and then reintroduced to treat specific conditions.5
Clinical Context
Autologous procedures are employed across multiple medical specialties, with applications varying based on the specific cells or tissues involved and the conditions being treated.1
In hematology and oncology, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a well-established treatment for various blood cancers, including multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.3 The procedure involves collecting a patient’s own hematopoietic stem cells, administering high-dose chemotherapy to eliminate cancer cells (which also damages healthy bone marrow), and then reinfusing the previously collected stem cells to reconstitute the patient’s blood-forming capacity.5 This approach allows for more intensive cancer treatment while mitigating the risk of prolonged bone marrow suppression.
Autologous treatments have also shown promising results in autoimmune diseases. For severe cases of multiple sclerosis, systemic sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease that are resistant to conventional therapies, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be considered.1 The procedure aims to “reboot” the immune system through regeneration and rediversification of T and B-cell repertoires and increased regulatory T-cell activity, potentially inducing sustained clinical remissions.1,4
In regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being investigated for various applications, including organ transplantation.2 Animal models indicate that autologous MSCs may be efficacious in preventing or treating early intragraft inflammation and reducing the risk of acute rejection—observations supported by randomized controlled trials in living-donor kidney transplantation.2
Patient selection for autologous procedures requires careful consideration of several factors, including the patient’s overall health status, the ability to harvest sufficient quantities of viable cells or tissues, and the absence of contraindications to the specific procedure.1 The clinical decision to pursue autologous treatments often involves weighing potential benefits against risks, considering alternative therapies, and accounting for patient preferences and quality of life considerations.