Services Offered
A Comprehensive Array of Stem Cell Transplants
The University of Chicago Hospitals offers the full-range of stem cell transplants that are currently available:
- Autologous transplants: Patients receive their own stem cells.
- Syngeneic transplants: Patients receive stem cells from an identical twin.
- Allogeneic transplants: Patients receive stem cells from a person other than an identical twin. Allogeneic transplants include:
- Related donor transplants in which a patient's sibling, parent, or other matched blood relative donates stem cells.
- Unrelated donor transplants, which involves transplanting stem cells from a matched donor who has been identified through the National Marrow Donor Program.
- Cord blood transplants, which involve transplanting stem cells that are retrieved from donated umbilical cord blood.
Stem Cell Transplants for Hematologic Malignancies
Transplantation is the treatment of choice for many patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Our center is among the leading transplant centers in the nation and benefits from a close collaboration with the leukemia and lymphoma experts and the world-class research at the University of Chicago. Most of our patients are offered the opportunity to participate in research protocols.
Stem Cell Transplants for Sickle Cell Disease
Stem cell transplants are a proven cure for many people with leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other hematologic malignancies. But stem cell transplant is also being studied as a treatment option for other diseases--including sickle cell disease and tumors.
The University of Chicago Hospitals is a leader in the treatment of sickle cell with stem cell transplants. The first reported stem cell transplant for a child with sickle cell disease was performed at the University of Chicago. We continue to offer transplantation to children with sickle cell disease and are one of the few centers in the country to consider stem cell transplant for adults with this debilitating disease.
Consultations and Review of Cancer Treatment Options
Our physicians are experts in treatments for cancer and blood diseases--not just stem cell transplants. As hematologists/oncologists, we can provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment to people in different stages of disease. We can also help patients and referring physicians determine whether stem cell transplant would be the best option at this particular time--or if another treatment might work better.
Comprehensive Transplant Care
Our team works side-by-side with the patient, family, and referring physician before, during, and after transplantation to ensure the best possible outcome. The transplant process differs from patient to patient, but generally includes:
- Evaluation and pre-transplant testing
- Identification of the appropriate type of transplantation--either autologous (from the patient) or allogeneic (from a related, unrelated, or cord blood donor)
- Obtaining stem cells from the patient or a donor
- Administration of chemotherapy and/or radiation to the patient in order to lessen the number of cancerous or diseased cells
- Transplantation of healthy stem cells into the patient
- Engraftment and recovery, during which the transplanted stem cells begin to grow and reproduce healthy blood cells
- Post-transplant care, including follow-up check ups and coordination of continuing care with the patient's referring physician
A Dedicated Inpatient Unit and Clinic
To help ensure the success of a stem cell transplant, patients stay in our comfortable inpatient unit for approximately one week before and two to three weeks after the transplant. The state-of-the-art unit is designed to give patients freedom of movement with optimal protection against infection. The entire unit is HEPA-filtered so patients can walk around the unit while recovering from chemotherapy and transplant.
The single patient rooms have individual showers and sleeping couches for family members to stay overnight. Exercise bikes can be brought into each patient room so patients can get needed exercise.
Pre- and post-transplant evaluations take place in our dedicated Stem Cell Transplant Clinic located in the Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine.
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