Blood and marrow transplant

• Amyloidosis
• Aplastic anemia
• Hemoglobinopathies
• Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Leukemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Myelodysplastic syndrome
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Testicular cancer

Methodist Healthcare is proud to offer comprehensive blood and marrow transplant services to our adult and pediatric patients.

Our leading blood and marrow transplant program

Our blood and marrow transplant program has been recognized for our commitment to excellence in the field, with accolades and accomplishments that include: 

• Consistently ranking among the nation’s top transplant centers in one-year allogeneic blood and marrow transplant patient survival rates among all Texas transplant centers
• Offering numerous innovative clinical trials for pediatric patients
• Providing CAR T-cell therapy, a breakthrough treatment for patients with certain blood cancers
• The first program in North America and only program in San Antonio accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT)
• The only adult blood cancer treatment program in San Antonio
• The only pediatric blood and marrow transplant program of its kind in South Texas through our Sarah Cannon Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at Methodist Children’s Hospital

Additionally, as a member of the Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Network, we have access to a number of high-quality infrastructure, training and research resources.

Blood and marrow transplant candidacy

A blood and marrow transplant requires a thorough consultation with your physician and a referral. Once referred, the transplant team schedules your first visit to the clinic. During the appointment, you will meet the transplant physician and spend a significant amount of time with other transplant professionals who further educate you about transplantation.

If you, your family and transplant team decide a transplant is the best option, you will undergo testing to complete the evaluation process. The type of transplant most appropriate determines how quickly the procedure can be performed.

Private insurance, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, may provide coverage for blood and marrow transplants. Some costs may not be fully reimbursed. Financial coordinators and social workers will work with you to ensure you understand coverage benefits and help minimize out-of-pocket expenses by accessing various community resources.

Blood and marrow transplant procedures

Your transplant physician will discuss which type of transplant will provide the best clinical outcome. We routinely perform the following types of transplants:

• Autologous blood and marrow transplant – Stem cells are collected, stored and re-infused back to the same patient after high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments.
• Tandem autologous transplant – Also known as a double autologous transplant, this procedure requires the patient to undergo two planned autologous blood and marrow transplants within six months. Stem cells are collected once before the initial transplant and half are used for each procedure. The second transplant is performed after recovery from the first procedure.
• Allogeneic blood and marrow transplant – Stem cells are taken from one person and given to another. The patient receives stem cells from a matched or partially matched family member, an unrelated donor or umbilical cord blood.
• Umbilical cord blood transplant – This method uses stem cells, which have been collected from a clamped, separated umbilical cord following delivery. The stem cells are then processed and frozen until transplantation.

Blood and marrow transplant recovery

Recipients of blood and marrow transplants are closely followed in the clinic daily after their operation to ensure there are no infections or rejections. You may still feel too weak to fully engage in normal activities for several weeks, but you are encouraged to continue participating in daily activities, as tolerated, to increase strength and energy.

Allogeneic transplant recipients are at risk for developing graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). With this condition, the new blood and marrow stem cells begin fighting against, or “rejecting,” your tissues. To minimize the risk of GVHD, doctors prescribe immunosuppressive or “anti–rejection” medications.

The chances of infection and rejection are highest during the first month after blood and marrow transplant when the medications taken to suppress the immune system are at their peak effectiveness. You may be required to wear a mask to limit the risk of infection potentially leading to rejection.

You will be required to have routine follow-up visits. The frequency of visits is discussed at the time of transplant. You’ll be informed when you are able to return to your oncologist for continued care.

A wide range of resources will be available to you and your family, including an oncology support group, social worker, dietitian, financial coordinator and hospital chaplain.