Blood Cancers

NewYork-Presbyterian offers bone marrow and stem cell transplantation for people with hematological malignancies (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)) for myeloproliferative disorders such as myelofibrosis, for AL-amyloidosis, and for non-malignant blood disorders such as severe aplastic anemia and sickle cell anemia (SCA). Bone marrow and stem cell transplantation have evolved into the standard of care for many people with hematologic cancers and other blood disorders, and their use is expected to grow by 20 percent over the next decade. At NewYork-Presbyterian, bone marrow transplant candidates benefit from the world-class care and experience, in a compassionate environment.

Strong Collaboration

Our transplantation experts are closely integrated with our world-class teams of blood cancer experts and transplantation immunologists. Together they can create the most effective treatment plan for you. We can also count on the support of dedicated infectious disease consultants, gastroenterologists, pulmonary, nephrologists, and critical care specialists, in case complications arise.

Recognized Expertise

Our Bone Marrow and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Program is a Center of Excellence in stem cell transplantation, as designated by the National Cancer Institute and accredited by FACT (Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy). Our care teams perform more than 200 stem cell transplants a year and we perform more allogeneic transplants (transplants using bone marrow or stem cells from donors) for older adults than any other center in the tri-state area.

Our experts will prepare you for the transplant method most appropriate for your illness and your situation. Procedures include:

• Adult Donor Allogeneic transplantation (a donor's stem cells are used, collected from either the blood of from the bone marrow). These donors can be relatives or, in many cases, unrelated donors identified through registries. NewYork-Presbyterian participates in the National Marrow Donor Program providing us access to all available donors worldwide and enhancing your chances of finding an appropriate donor.
• Umbilical Cord Blood Transplants –using stem cells from the umbilical cord of a newborn.
• Autologous Peripheral blood stem cell transplants (your stem cells are used).

State-of-the-Art Transplant Facilities, Experienced and Compassionate Staff

We have advanced, dedicated bone marrow transplant units offering personal monitoring and special airflow systems for patients with weakened immune systems. With a low nurse-to-patient ratio, you will get the essential quality care needed for your recovery. Our staff includes also dedicated pharm. D., physician assistants, social workers, and dietitians.

Clinical Trials

Our scientists are developing new approaches to lower your risk of treatment-related complications and to reduce the chance that your cancer will come back after transplantation. You may have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial studying new, safer methods of preparing for, receiving, and recovering from a bone marrow transplant. Our transplant programs offer access to highly innovative cellular treatment protocols including gene therapeutic approaches (for sickle cell disease) or cellular immunotherapy for treatment or prevention of viral diseases. Furthermore, in close multidisciplinary collaboration with the solid organ transplant program, we offer combined bone marrow — organ transplant with the intention to induce tolerance and obviating the need for lifelong immunosuppression

Experience with Mismatched Donors

If you are a candidate for bone marrow transplantation but do not have a matching donor, you may benefit from our experience performing this procedure using mismatched donors. "Partial matches" have made bone marrow transplantation a possibility for people who may have a challenging time finding a matched donor, such as those from ethnic minority groups. In many cases, we use umbilical cord blood donors for these partially matched transplants.

Support for You, Your Donor, and Your Caregivers

Stem cell transplant is a complex and often-arduous process for both the patient and his or her caregivers. We are keenly aware of this and provide support throughout the process. A transplant nurse coordinator will be your guide, answering your questions and coordinating your follow-up care.