Bone marrow and stem cell transplants are both approaches that add stem cells to your body. Stem cells are versatile cells that can develop into many different types of cells. The cells can be from your own body or from a related or unrelated donor, depending on your case.
A transplant can help when your body can’t produce enough healthy blood cells of its own. It’s also used to replace diseased bone marrow or blood cells, as well as replace healthy cells that were destroyed during chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
The difference between the two procedures is where the stem cell transplant comes from:- Bone marrow transplant: when stem cells are taken from your bone marrow (the spongy tissue inside bones)
- Stem cell transplant: when stem cells are collected from your bloodstream
Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center?
Sylvester is an NCI-designated cancer center. The National Cancer Institute has recognized Sylvester for its outstanding work conducting research in its laboratories, treating patients in its clinics and hospitals, and reaching out to medically underserved communities with innovative prevention strategies.
Advanced expertise in stem cell transplantation. You receive care from the most experienced team in the region. Our Adult Stem Cell Transplant Program was established in 1992 and is accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). We have the fastest growing program in Florida. Our expertise draws patients from other hospitals throughout the area.
Access to the latest treatments through clinical trials. As part of an academic medical center, Sylvester offers access to some of the most promising new therapies. Many of our doctors are leading research to discover new approaches in chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. We also offer opportunities to participate in clinical trials developed by the Bone Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network, a consortium of academic stem cell transplant programs.
Leading-edge bone marrow sampling technology. Developed by one of our oncologists, the OnControl® device takes consistent, high-quality bone marrow samples for greater accuracy in diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The procedure offers less pain and takes less than five minutes.
Many patients in the Adult Stem Cell Transplant Program come from other area hospitals. Stem cell transplant is available to you and is fully integrated with your cancer treatment.