Bone Marrow Transplant Excellence

At University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, we are leaders in stem cell transplant for both adults and pediatric patients. We treat all types of cancer with a range of innovative treatments, including transplant for hematologic cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, but we also provide expert care for hematologic diseases such as sickle cell disease.

As one of the first programs in the nation accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), we remain focused on excellence in all areas of cancer care – every day.

University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center is one of the few healthcare organizations in the region recognized by this important accrediting organization for exceeding national standards in critical areas of cancer care. FACT is the only national organization that includes requirements for both patient care and laboratory practices. Patients at Seidman can be confident in our patient care excellence and also our expertise in the analysis of laboratory tests used throughout your care - from diagnosis through monitoring after stem cell transplant recovery.

Over the past five years, our Stem Cell Transplant Program has continued to expand significantly as we remain focused on research and discovery to bring the most innovative hematologic therapies to the region.

Highly Trained and Experienced Transplant Team

With nationally recognized transplant specialists for both adults and children and a strong emphasis on patient safety and quality care, we provide superior outcomes for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other hematologic, or blood-based, issues. Our expert team has put processes in place to achieve these superior outcomes to minimize any complications, including the possibility of infection. Our comprehensive approach to cancer treatment assures every patient at UH Seidman Cancer Center has access to a multidisciplinary team, including:

• Physicians (oncologists and other surgical and medical specialists)
• Mid-level providers (physician assistants, advanced practice nurses)
• Pharmacists
• Nurses
• Nurse navigator
• Transplant coordinators
• Social workers
• Nutritionists
• Physical therapists
• Chaplains

Patients can count on our transplant coordinators to determine their particular needs as well as the timing of when their stem cells should be collected. In addition, transplant coordinators are responsible for initiating the workup of donors and performing infusions once patients are admitted.

Our team works closely with the Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Center at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital to treat children with hematologic cancers and other blood disorders. We focus on continuing to improve outcomes with dedicated research to study and develop new stem cell-based therapies.

Comprehensive Stem Cell Transplants for Cancer

Our program includes a range of transplant options including core blood, blood and bone marrow transplants. We use various types of stem cell transplants, including:

• Autologous: Using a patient’s own cells, our team removes your perfectly matched cells and stores them. Also called a rescue transplant, this allows the return of your cells after high-dose treatment.
• Allogeneic: Donor cells that are matched to your own cells are removed from either a family member or suitable donor. After high-dose treatment of your cancer cells, the new donor cells are transplanted to you.
• Syngeneic transplants: With an identical twin, the cell match is perfect to your DNA. Following the same process with cell retrieval, after high-dose treatment, these matched cells are transplanted to you.
• Umbilical cord blood transplant: A type of allogeneic transplant, stem cells from a newborn’s umbilical cord may provide a suitable match. Since these cells are very immature, a less than perfect match is acceptable.

Even if a patient does not have a matched donor initially, we work with national registries to find a suitable or alternative donor.

Life-Saving Transplants for Patients with Various Conditions

Transplants at UH Seidman Cancer Center may save the lives of patients with the following conditions:

• Acute Leukemia
• Aplastic Anemia and Bone Marrow Failure States
• Certain Immune Deficiency Disorders
• Chronic Leukemia
• Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Multiple Myeloma and Other Plasma Cell Dyscrasias
• Amyloidosis
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Testicular Cancer and Germ Cell Tumors
• Thalassemias and Other Hemoglobinopathies

Outpatient Bone Marrow Transplant

UH Seidman Cancer Center’s outpatient program allows stem cell transplant patients to remain home or stay at an outpatient facility instead of spending weeks in the hospital.

Patients who choose this option receive high-dose chemotherapy followed by infusion of autologous stem cells at the Seidman ambulatory transplant unit. Following the transplant, the patient stays at home or in an outpatient facility, but is seen every day in the clinic until full recovery – usually for about two weeks.

Benefits of Outpatient Stem Cell Transplant

Benefits of getting an outpatient stem cell transplant include:

• The same, effective treatment as in inpatient care, followed by rest in familiar and comfortable surroundings afterwards.
• Daily check-ins with nurses and physicians to closely monitor for any signs of infection. If, for example, a patient runs a fever, they can be moved to the inpatient unit for a few days or the remainder of their treatment.
• Recovery at home promotes greater movement and activity, such as walking, which can improve treatment outcomes. With certain precautions, some patients may leave home during their treatment period.
• Patients report that being with family and friends at home improves their overall state of mind.
• Patients avoid the risk of hospital-acquired infections.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Outpatient Stem Cell Transplantation?

Patients must be approved for an autologous stem cell transplant and fit the following criteria:

• Be in relatively good health.
• Live within an hour’s drive of UH Seidman Cancer Center or be willing to stay at a nearby hotel or lodge.
• Have a relative or friend who can serve as a support system/caregiver for the patient 24/7 for at least two weeks.
• Agree to follow infection prevention guidelines: For example, wearing a mask when outside home, following a strict medication regimen, limiting the number of visitors at home, practicing strict handwashing or Purell^® use, and avoiding people with infections.

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge

Patients who undergoes a transplant may have access to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. Offering a home-like environment, at Hope Lodge you can enjoy temporary, comfortable and supportive accommodations. Simply ask your Nurse Navigator or social worker about access to accommodations at Hope Lodge.

Many organizations offer discounts for University Hospitals patients and families, so please inquire when making reservations. If you would like assistance arranging accommodations, please speak with your social worker or nurse navigator. You can also call our Patient Care Advocates at 440-922-6291, during regular business hours Monday to Friday.

Many lodging facilities have pre-negotiated rates but are dependent on room availability.

Learn More About Our Innovative Transplant Care

For more information on our unique transplant program, we encourage you learn more about our stem cell therapy clinical trials. If you would like more information about stem cell transplant benefits or stem cell transplant procedures for cancer treatment, please contact one of our team members.