Stem Cell Transplant

Since 1989, Baptist Cancer Center's Stem Cell Transplant Center has focused on innovative cancer treatment using high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell support within a standardized, integrated system dedicated to transplantation by leading cancer physicians.

Delivering the most appropriate care for a specific malignant disease requires the highest level of knowledge, planning, and commitment by cancer treatment physicians and their teams. Our doctors, nurses, and transplant coordinators deliver close-to-home, compassionate care right here in the Mid-South for patients who require a stem cell transplant.

What is a stem cell transplant?

A stem cell is a new cell that has not yet decided what it wants to be when it grows up. When stem cells mature they are either a red blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, a white blood cell which fights infection, or a platelet which helps blood to clot when needed.

New blood cells or stem cells are produced by the bone marrow. The process of stem cell transplant begins by administering certain chemotherapy drugs and/or growth factors called moderate dose chemotherapy or mobilization to promote the growth of bone marrow stem cells and their release into the blood stream.

What types of cancer do stem cell transplants treat?

The Baptist Stem Cell Transplant Center treats lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, and testicular cancer. These treatments may require short term or long term recovery as well as chemotherapy.

What are the types of stem cell transplants?

Baptist Cancer Center offers two types of stem cell transplants:

• Autologous transplants—a patient with a malignant disease receives his or her own bone marrow/stem cells, which have been collected and cryopreserved (frozen).
• Allogeneic transplants—a patient with a malignant disease receives bone marrow/stem cells from a related or unrelated donor.

What should patients expect after a stem cell transplant?

After a stem cell transplant, the new immune system begins to work, making new white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells. The patient receives antibiotics and antirejection medication. Patients must remain in a sterile environment—typically, they stay in the hospital for a month while their immune system recovers. Once discharged, patients regularly visit the outpatient clinic for checkups.

How does an oncologist determine who needs a stem cell transplant?

Many factors determine if a patient is eligible for a stem cell transplant. If you or someone you love would like to know more, our oncologists are ready to answer your questions. To schedule an appointment to learn more, please call 901-226-5151.

Learn More About Our Cancer Services

Baptist Cancer Center provides a wide range of cancer care services. Whether you or a loved one needs a stem cell transplant for cancer, genetic counseling, reconstructive surgery or another form of cancer support, we serve the Mid-South with close-to-home care. Learn more about our cancer services now.

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