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Bone Marrow Transplant
Lifesaving Medicine at The Methodist Hospital

Dr. George Carrum
Hematologist
The Methodist Hospital

Retiree Pam Reno lives an active, healthy life. The former teacher spends her time volunteering and working part time. She also enjoys doting on her four grandchildren. But in the summer of 2004, she began to feel run-down and fatigued. By early August, she was hospitalized with pneumonia. Tests uncovered a fast-acting form of leukemia, complicated by serious infections in her liver and spleen. Chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants were needed to save her life.

"I Chose Methodist"
Reno had heard good things about the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at The Methodist Hospital and decided to seek treatment there. "I had my choice of two hospitals, and I chose Methodist," she says. "I'm glad I did because it's a smaller program; the excellent staff made me feel comfortable and confident at such a difficult time."

It took 60-year-old Reno two months to regain her strength before undergoing treatment with George Carrum, M.D., a hematologist at the center. Her age was also a factor. "A decade ago we weren't even performing this type of bone marrow transplant for patients over age 55 because the treatment regimen was too toxic," Carrum says. "With advancements, it's now possible to perform reduced-intensity transplants, or what we call mini transplants. We are able to give a smaller dose of chemotherapy and immunosuppressant medication."

Finding a Match
In some cases, it is possible to collect a patient's own stem cells to be infused after chemotherapy, but Reno was not a candidate for this treatment, so her medical team began the search for a donor match. Her six siblings were tested, and Reno says she was fortunate to have a sister who was a close match and able to donate the needed bone marrow.

Carrum says siblings are not always a perfect match. Although it does increase the risk, a bone marrow transplant can be performed with a close, but not identical, match. For those who don’t have a family match, the National Marrow Donor Program is an option. (See “Register to Be a Donor.”)

A Successful Transplant
A bone marrow transplant is similar to a blood transfusion. Healthy bone marrow is collected from the donor and then infused to the recipient. As with any transplant, there’s always a risk that the body will reject the new cells. There’s also a risk that the new cells will attack the recipient (this is called graft versus host disease).

Reno had her transplant in November and went home right before Christmas. She had mild graft versus host disease in the form of a skin rash, but it was controlled with careful monitoring and treatment by Carrum.

She was energized by "lots of prayers, good medical care and the gift of a good donor." The outcome of her transplant, now almost five years later, is 100 percent success. The leukemia is gone and the now healthy Reno has returned to enjoying her normal activities.

Good Medical Care
The Center for Cell and Gene Therapy was established in partnership by The Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital. The facility houses pediatric and adult bone marrow and stem cell transplant units with experienced staff from all three institutions. Research studies are also an important part of the program, helping to further advancements in cellular and genetic medicine, including immunotherapy (boosting the immune system) for patients with leukemia and lymphoma.

For more information about Methodist's Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, please call 1-888-807-4690 or visit methodisthealth.com/cancer and click on "Areas of Care."

"When you register with the National Marrow Donor Program, you join a database of more than 7 million people worldwide who have chosen to help provide lifesaving treatment for people with leukemia, lymphoma and other diseases," says George Carrum, M.D., director of the National Marrow Donor Program's collection center at The Methodist Hospital.

Be the Match
All potential donors must be between ages 18 and 60 and give a sample of cheek cells or blood to be tissue typed. If your profile shows up as a match for someone who needs a bone marrow transplant, you may be asked to donate. Donors are screened carefully to ensure they are healthy, and the procedure is safe for them. Donors of every ethnicity are greatly needed on the registry. marrow transplant can be performed with a close, but not identical, match. For those who don't have a family match, the National Marrow Donor Program is an option. (See "Register to Be a Donor.")

A Successful Transplant
A bone marrow transplant is similar to a blood transfusion. Healthy bone marrow is collected from the donor and then infused to the recipient. As with any transplant, there's always a risk that the body will reject the new cells. There's also a risk that the new cells will attack the recipient (this is called graft versus host disease).

For more information, contact the Gulf Coast Donor Center at 1-888-807-1861 or visit BetheMatch.org.

< Fall 2009