Bone Marrow & Stem Cell Transplant Program
If you're in need of a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, it’s important to be evaluated by the experts in this field before beginning treatment. We can help.
Patient Survival Outcomes Among the Best
The Karmanos Cancer Institute Bone Marrow Transplantation Program is one of only a select group nationwide reporting some of the best survival outcomes for related and unrelated stem cell transplantation, according to data released.
This survival data is reported yearly from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Registry for all 168 transplant centers in the U.S. The data are adjusted for several risk factors that may have a major influence on outcome. These risk factors include the type of disease, its stage the donor match the age and fitness of the patient.
Based on these data, the patients at Karmanos have the highest risk factors predicting their transplant would be difficult. In spite of these characteristics, the survival of the patients at Karmanos was better than predicted for the last three reporting periods. Karmanos remains the only center in Michigan which achieved this distinction and only one of six in the country which has this survival advantage over the last two reporting periods.
In addition, our program has received full accreditation from the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) – the highest level and the most extensive spectrum of accreditation offered by FACT for Bone Marrow Transplant Programs. They conduct transplants featuring the most advanced medical methods using all sources of stem cells:
- Autologous - patient's own stem cells
- Allogeneic - stem cells from a related donor or unrelated donor
- Cord blood stem cell transplantation
Members of the Bone Marrow Transplant Team have vast experience in clinical research focusing on graft-versus-host disease and immunotherapy. Many patients have the opportunity to participate in investigator-initiated and cooperative group sponsored clinical research trials at Karmanos Cancer Center.
Our partnership with the Children's Hospital of Michigan at the Detroit Medical Center makes Karmanos an accredited center not only for the treatment of adults, but children of all ages who need bone marrow or stem cell transplants.
Karmanos maintains one of only two cord blood stem cell banks in the state of Michigan. These cord blood units are registered with the National Marrow Donor Program and are accessible to transplant centers worldwide. Cord blood transplantation is feasible in select patients without an unrelated or sibling donor. Find more information about cord blood and cord blood donation by visiting our J.P. McCarthy Cord Stem Cell Bank webpage.
Evaluation & Diagnosis
Each patient receives personal attention from the Bone Marrow & Stem Cell Transplant Multidisciplinary Team. During your initial visit, a physician will review your medical records and medical history, X-rays and pathology slides. The team meets regularly to discuss patient care issues and refine individual patient treatment plans.
Patients who benefit most from a consult with our Bone Marrow Transplant Team include those with:
- Hematologic malignancies (such as some forms of acute and chronic leukemia and lymphoma, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's lymphoma)
- Thalassemias
- Hemoglobinopathy
- Severe combined immune deficiency
- Congenital metabolic disorders
- Selected solid tumor such as testicular cancer and neuroblastoma
- Myelodysplastic syndrome
- Myeloproliferative disorders
- Aplastic Anemia
- Amyloidosis
Innovative, Individualized Care
Here’s what patients can expect from our Bone Marrow & Stem Cell Transplant Multidisciplinary Team:
- A passionate, caring, expert team, giving you the best chance of success.
- A collaborative approach that considers all available treatment options, including clinical trials, for your specific type of cancer.
- A carefully constructed treatment plan designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Respectful, compassionate care that is responsive to your emotional needs and lifestyle.
- Proactive, timely communication with you and your loved ones, and your personal physician.
Joseph Dresner Family Clinic for Hematologic Malignancies & Stem Cell Transplantation
Patients with multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, leukemia, lymphoma and similar cancers have efficient, one-stop access to Karmanos experts who specialize in treating those diseases. All doctors involved are able to see patients simultaneously, as well as create and implement joint treatment plans.
Learn more about the Joseph Dresner Family Clinic
BMT Resources
For more information on blood and bone marrow transplants, research related to these procedures and the National Marrow Donor Program, please visit the websites listed below.
Appointment Information
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