NancyFlo: A Comprehensive Guide to Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

A Life-Saving Procedure for Malignant and Non-malignant Diseases

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a life-saving procedure that involves infusing healthy stem cells into a patient with a diseased or damaged hematopoietic (blood-forming) system. This procedure is used to treat a wide range of malignant (cancerous) and non-malignant diseases, including:

• Malignant diseases: Leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia
• Non-malignant diseases: Aplastic anemia, immune deficiency disorders, and metabolic disorders

The NancyFlo Program

NancyFlo is a well-established and respected HSCT program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). The program has been providing life-saving treatments for patients with blood cancers and other life-threatening diseases for over 30 years.

Our Mission:

• To provide the highest quality of care for patients undergoing HSCT
• To advance the science of HSCT through research and innovation
• To educate patients, families, and healthcare professionals about HSCT

Statistics and Success Rates

NancyFlo has one of the highest success rates in the country for HSCT. Our experienced team of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals has helped thousands of patients achieve a second chance at life.

Success Rates:

• Overall survival: 70-80% for patients with malignant diseases, 90-95% for patients with non-malignant diseases
• Event-free survival: 50-60% for patients with malignant diseases, 80-90% for patients with non-malignant diseases

Types of HSCT

There are two main types of HSCT:

• Autologous HSCT: Stem cells are taken from the patient's own body and frozen for later re-infusion after the patient receives high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Allogeneic HSCT: Stem cells are taken from a healthy donor and infused into the patient.

The HSCT Process

The HSCT process typically involves the following steps:

1. Pre-transplant evaluation: The patient's health is assessed to determine if they are a good candidate for HSCT.
2. Stem cell collection: Stem cells are collected from the patient or donor through a process called apheresis.
3. Conditioning: The patient receives high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy their diseased or damaged blood cells.
4. Transplant: The stem cells are infused into the patient's bloodstream.
5. Engraftment: The stem cells engraft (attach to) the patient's bone marrow and begin to produce new blood cells.
6. Recovery: The patient's immune system gradually recovers and they become less susceptible to infections.

Risks and Complications

HSCT is a complex procedure with potential risks and complications, including:

• Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): Occurs when donor stem cells attack the patient's body
• Infection: Patients are at increased risk of infection during the recovery period
• Organ toxicity: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can damage the patient's organs
• Death: HSCT is a potentially life-threatening procedure

Patient Support

The NancyFlo team provides comprehensive support to patients throughout their HSCT journey. This support includes:

• Emotional support: Social workers, psychologists, and other professionals provide emotional support to patients and families
• Financial support: Financial counselors help patients navigate the financial aspects of HSCT
• Educational programs: Educational programs help patients and families understand the HSCT process and its potential risks and benefits
• Community events: Patients and families have opportunities to connect with each other through social events and support groups

Effective Strategies for HSCT

The following strategies have been shown to improve the effectiveness of HSCT:

• Donor-recipient matching: Matching the donor and recipient for genetic markers can reduce the risk of GVHD
• Pre-transplant conditioning: Using stronger conditioning regimens can improve the chances of a successful transplant
• Post-transplant care: Providing aggressive supportive care can reduce the risk of complications

How to Prepare for HSCT

Patients considering HSCT should take the following steps to prepare:

• Get your affairs in order: Make sure you have a will, power of attorney, and other legal documents in place
• Inform your family and friends: Let them know what to expect and ask for their support
• Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of complications
• Get vaccinated: Vaccinations can help protect you from infections during the recovery period
• Attend a support group: Connecting with other patients can provide valuable emotional support

Step-by-Step Approach to HSCT

The HSCT process typically involves the following steps:

1. Pre-transplant evaluation: This involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and blood tests to determine if you are a good candidate for HSCT.
2. Stem cell collection: Stem cells are collected from you or a donor through a process called apheresis.
3. Conditioning: You will receive high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy your diseased or damaged blood cells.
4. Transplant: The stem cells will be infused into your bloodstream through a catheter placed in a vein in your arm.
5. Recovery: You will need to stay in the hospital for several weeks after the transplant while your new stem cells engraft and start to produce new blood cells.

FAQs

1. What is the success rate of HSCT?

The success rate of HSCT varies depending on the type of disease being treated and the patient's health. However, overall survival rates for patients with malignant diseases are around 70-80%, and for patients with non-malignant diseases they are around 90-95%.

2. What are the risks of HSCT?

The risks of HSCT include graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), infection, organ toxicity, and death.

3. Who is a good candidate for HSCT?

HSCT is a good option for patients with blood cancers and other life-threatening diseases who have not responded to other treatments.

4. What is the cost of HSCT?

The cost of HSCT can vary depending on the type of transplant and the patient's insurance coverage. However, the average cost of HSCT is around $250,000.

5. How long does HSCT take?

The HSCT process typically takes several months, from the initial evaluation to the recovery period.

6. What is the recovery period like after HSCT?

The recovery period after HSCT can be difficult. Patients may experience fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and other side effects. However, most patients recover completely within a few months.

Call to Action

If you or someone you know is considering HSCT, we encourage you to contact the NancyFlo program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Our team of experts can provide you with the information and support you need to make an informed decision about this life-saving treatment.

To learn more, visit our website at https://www.unmc.edu/nancyflo or call us at (402) 559-5600.

Appendix

Table 1: Types of HSCT

Table 2: Risks and Complications of HSCT

Table 3: Effective Strategies for HSCT