As highlighted in BJC Today in December 2017, the Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program met a milestone of 7,500 transplants!
Stem cells collected from a donor’s bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood can replace the recipient’s bone marrow, helping to restore the source of blood and immune system destroyed by cancer and/or chemotherapy. Stem cell transplants are commonly used for cancers of the hematopoietic system, such as multiple myeloma, leukemia and lymphomas.
The Cellular Therapy Laboratory plays a critical role in the success of this program. The lab receives, processes, and stores products containing the life-saving stem cells until they are needed for re-infusion back into the patient. According to the most recent data available for the U.S., from 2010-2014 stem cell transplants performed at Barnes Jewish Hospital accounted for 2.4% of total transplants performed, and in 2014-2015 BJH was #5 of 177 stem cell transplant centers by volume.
Congratulations to the Cellular Therapy Laboratory team for their ongoing efforts for the continued success of this program.