The mission of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Program is to provide high quality, innovative care by putting patients and their families first, and by advancing the biology of stem cell transplantation.

There are three types of stem cell transplants, based on donor source - Autologous (you are your own donor), Allogeneic (stem cells are donated by another individual and the donor may be a sibling, other family member or an unrelated individual) or Syngeneic (the donor is your identical twin). The type of transplant which is best for you will depend on your disease, the availability of a matched donor, your age and your general health status.

Stem cell transplants are regularly used in treatment of the following cancers - Leukemia (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia), Lymphoma (Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas, such as Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Mantle Cell Lymphoma and Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma), Multiple Myeloma and Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Stem cell transplants may also be considered for patients with Aplastic Anemia, Myelofibrosis, Fanconi's Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia and some solid tumors.

There are many factors that must be considered in deciding if stem cell transplantation is the best option. Some of the factors that should be considered in making this decision are the type and stage of your disease, your health status, the availability of matched donors and your willingness and ability to commit the necessary time and resources. The physicians and clinical staff of the Stem Cell Transplant Program will work with you and your referring physician in making this decision. At each step of the process, you will be given additional information to help you make an informed decision.

To learn more about the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University Stem Cell Transplant Program, please call 312.926.5400. Through the Northwestern University Affiliated Transplant Centers (NUATC), our program works collaboratively with the Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Program at Children's Memorial Hospital, one of the top five pediatric transplant centers in the country.

Helpful Stem Cell Transplantation Web sites:

• National Cancer Institute (NCI)
• National Marrow Donor Program
• Blood & Marrow Transplant Information Network
• American Cancer Society

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