Bone Marrow Transplant
A blood or bone marrow transplant (BMT) is often used to treat cancers (and some other conditions) that affect blood cells or bone marrow. For example, we use BMT to treat many cases of leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and amyloidosis. BMT eliminates cancerous blood cells and replaces them with healthy stem cells. Successful stem cell collection, storage, and transplant is a complex process, but you’re in great hands at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. Here, you have access to a full team of experts and our Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cell Therapy Program, the only program of its kind in Alabama.
How BMT Works
We often assess the need for BMT using a procedure that involves taking a small amount of bone marrow fluid and/or solid bone marrow tissue for analysis, usually taken from the hip bones. Bone marrow can help us identify what may be wrong and learn more about related conditions through examination of the blood cells and/or abnormal cells.
The first step of BMT is receiving chemotherapy or radiation to kill diseased cells. The second step of BMT is receiving a transplant of healthy stem cells – which are collected from the patient or a donor – to restore a healthy cell count. The stem cells will grow in a patient’s marrow in the few weeks following a transplant. We monitor patients throughout this process, during which blood transfusions may be necessary to normalize platelet levels.
Where Do the Stem Cells Come From?
When a patient needs a transplant, stem cells are collected from either the patient themselves or a donor. Stem cells can be collected from bone in the operating room, from the blood stream (this is known as apheresis), or from umbilical cords.
A Welcome from the Director
Welcome to the Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy (BMT/CT) Program at the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. We offer a wide range of treatment options, including autologous (self-donation) and allogeneic (from others) transplants, from both related and unrelated donors. We also provide cellular therapy products, including some based on the absolute latest research and only available through clinical trials. Our nationally recognized program is fully certified by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapies (FACT).
We are developing new ways to reduce transplant-related problems and help patients’ immune systems recover better. This approach is especially important for older patients and those with more complex conditions, as it improves the chances for a successful transplant by minimizing rejection and infection while reducing the risk of the cancer returning. We are dedicated to ensuring the best possible results, the greatest quality of life, and hope for a healthier future. Each and every day, our program celebrates life.
Zaid Al-Kadhimi, M.D.
Director, UAB Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapy Program
Your Bone Marrow Transplant Team
Zaid Al-Kadhimi, MD
Hematology Oncology
Susan Bal, MD
Hematology Oncology
Luciano Costa, MD
Hematology Oncology
Antonio Di Stasi, MD
Hematology Oncology
Manuel Espinoza Gutarra, MD
Hematology Oncology
Omer Jamy, MD
Hematology Oncology
Razan Mohty, MD
Hematology Oncology
Gayathri Ravi, MD
Hematology
Donna Salzman, MD
Cellular Therapy
Lauren Shea, MD
Hematology Oncology
Amit Mehta, MD
Hematology Oncology
Smith Giri, MD
Hematology Oncology
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The O’Neal Difference
Highly Experienced
An experienced team you can trust, with more than 3,500 transplants performed
One of a Kind
The only blood and marrow transplant program in the state
Advanced Care
Providing stem cells from your own body and donors and a full range of transplant types and donor options, including matched, unrelated, half-matched, umbilical cord transplants, and CAR T-cell therapy.
Team Approach
Your BMT care team is a wide range of health care professionals working together for you.
State-of-the Art
State-of-the-art unit and an after-hours clinic, a fully-accredited advanced cell processing facility, and a dedicated quality Blue Distinction Center of Excellence.
Cell Therapy Laboratory (CTL)
Offering a full scope of clinical transplant and cellular therapy services in our 2,500-square-foot facility, including cell therapy products, freezing, storage, separation, and analysis.
Patient endures difficult bone marrow transplant to beat leukemia
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