Reduced Intensity Conditioning (RIC)

Reduced Intensity Conditioning (RIC) is a medical procedure used before a stem cell transplant, especially for patients who cannot tolerate full-strength conditioning. It involves giving lower doses of chemotherapy or radiation to weaken the patient’s immune system and make space in the bone marrow for new healthy cells. RIC reduces side effects and risks compared to traditional, intensive conditioning, making transplants accessible to older or more fragile patients. The goal is to prepare the body to accept the donor cells while minimizing harm, allowing the new cells to engraft and restore healthy blood production.