Stem cell and bone marrow transplants (BMT) 

A stem cell or bone marrow transplant replaces damaged blood cells with healthy ones. It can be used to treat conditions affecting the blood cells, such as leukaemia and lymphoma. We also perform transplants for patient with immunodeficiencies.

The bone marrow transplant and haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) service at University College Hospital (UCLH) is the largest transplant centre in Europe and provides a full range of transplant services.

There is a large stem cell collection (apheresis) unit and bone marrow harvesting service at UCLH providing cells for both UCLH patients, and on behalf of the Anthony Nolan Trust for patients at other centres in the UK and around the world.

The adult HSCT unit works closely with the UCLH Adolescent Haemato-oncology unit, which provides the same transplant services to patients aged 13-19 years.

Autologous transplants

This involves removing stem cells from your own body and transplanting them later, after any damaged or diseased cells have been removed. You will have a new clinical nurse specialist (CNS) who will coordinate this and who will be your 'key worker', but you will return to your original CNS - three months after your transplant.

Allogeneic transplants

This involves taking healthy stem cells from the blood or bone marrow of one person – either a family member or an unrelated donor – and transferring them to another person. If you are having this type of transplant, a transplant clinical nurse specialist (CNS) will become your permanent 'key worker’.

Treatment

The transplant team will decide whether you are suitable for transplant treatment. Your treatment may take place as an outpatient in an ambulatory setting (without the need for an overnight stay in hospital, but in nearby accommodation) at University College London Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, or in the main hospital building - University College Hospital. This will be dependent upon the type of transplant you are having, and will be discussed with you as your transplant is being planned.

Patient aftercare

All patients undergoing transplant at UCLH are closely followed up following their procedure.

For autologous transplant patients, you will be followed up at UCLH for approximately three months and referred back to your referring centre.

For allogeneic transplant patients, your post-transplant care will be delivered almost exclusively by UCLH and you will remain in frequent contact with the service.

Research

The HSCT service at UCLH has strong links with University College London (UCL). The service has a very strong track record in translational research and an on-going commitment to pioneering new therapies and participating in both national and international trials.