Bone Marrow/Stem Cell/Cord Blood Transplant Program

Our doctors have expertise using stem cells from umbilical cord blood (cord blood transplant), peripheral blood (peripheral blood stem cell transplant) and bone marrow (bone marrow transplant), which allows us to find a donor match for most patients.

Donor matching is done by a test called human leukocyte antigen (HLA). Brothers or sisters are often a good match. Non-family donors are found through the Be the Match registry, a national bone marrow and umbilical cord blood registry.

Why Choose UH Seidman Cancer Center for Stem Cell Transplants?

• We were one of the first hospitals in the United States to perform bone marrow transplants, starting in 1976.
• Our Stem Cell Transplant Program has offered advanced bone marrow and cord blood transplant services for more than 45 years. Since the program’s inception, we’ve performed over 3,500 stem cell transplants.
• We offer an Outpatient Bone Marrow Transplant Program.
• UH Seidman cancer Center is accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). We are also part of the Bone & Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network.
• UH Seidman Cancer Center is the only cancer center in Ohio to perform haplo-cord transplants. This type of transplant combines two sources of stem cells (adult and donated umbilical cord blood), for a more effective treatment with fewer side effects. Haplo-cord transplants are especially beneficial to high-risk leukemia patients, as demonstrated in a recent randomized study.
• We have access to advanced scientific technologies and innovations, including more than 400 clinical trials.
• UH Seidman Cancer Center has a 30-bed inpatient unit dedicated to stem cell transplantation and treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies.
• UH Seidman Cancer Center is an NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of 57 such cancer centers nationally. We’re rated “Exceptional,” a rating only seven NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers hold.
• UH Seidman Cancer Center has been ranked one of the best cancer hospitals in the country for more than 20 years by U.S. News & World Report.

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 uses best practices to achieve superior outcomes and minimize complications, including the risk of infection.

Our comprehensive approach to cancer treatment assures every patient at UH Seidman Cancer Center has access to a multidisciplinary team, including:

• Physicians (hematologists, oncologists and other surgical and medical specialists)
• Physician assistants and advanced practice nurses
• Pharmacists
• Nurses
• Nurse navigators
• Transplant coordinators
• Social workers
• Nutritionists
• Physical therapists
• Chaplains

Patients can count on our transplant coordinators to personalize their care and the timing of their procedures. In addition, transplant coordinators are responsible for working with donors and performing infusions once patients are in treatment.

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’re continuing to improve outcomes with dedicated research to develop new stem cell-based therapies.

Life-Saving Transplants for Many Conditions

Transplants at UH Seidman Cancer Center are used to treat 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 autologous 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 inpatient care, in familiar and comfortable surroundings afterwards.
• Daily check-ins with nurses and physicians to closely monitor for any signs of infection. If needed, a patient 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 meet 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 lodging.
• Have a relative or friend who can serve as a 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 hand sanitizer use, and avoiding people with infections.

Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT)

UH Seidman Cancer Center is one of the first programs in the country accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), for exceeding national standards in cancer care. FACT is the only national organization that evaluates patient care and laboratory practices.

You can be confident in our patient care and our expertise throughout your treatment, from diagnosis through monitoring after stem cell transplant recovery.

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge

Patients who undergo a transplant may have access to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. At Hope Lodge, you can enjoy temporary, comfortable and supportive accommodations in a home-like environment. Ask your nurse navigator or social worker about 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.

Access to Clinical Trials for Stem Cell Therapy

Through clinical trials, the cancer team at UH Seidman Cancer Center seeks to improve the effectiveness of blood and bone marrow transplants and other cellular therapies for patients with blood cancers.