The Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program provides care for patients with blood and marrow disorders through compassionate treatment, education and research. This program boasts the largest full service BMT Program in the Upstate and features a highly trained group of transplant physicians and staff, along with state-of-the art equipment and facilities.
What is a blood and marrow transplant?
Bone marrow transplant, also called blood stem cell transplant, is the preferred treatment for some cancers. The following list includes the most common disorders treated by transplant therapy:
• Acute myeloid and lymphoid leukemia
• Chronic myelogenous and lymphocytic leukemia
• Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Myelodysplasia
• Myelofibrosis
• Aplastic anemia
Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue found inside the bone. All blood starts out as stem cells and then develops into either red or white cells or platelets. The bones of the hip, chest and pelvis contain the largest amount of marrow and stem cells, but stem cells also circulate in the bloodstream.
A bone marrow (or stem cell) transplant allows high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation to kill the rapidly dividing cancer cells. After these diseased cells are destroyed, the previously collected stem cells are transplanted to replace those cells. The stem cells travel into the bloodstream and bone marrow where they begin making new blood cells.
The BMT Program offers two types of bone marrow transplants:
• Autologous (uses the patient’s own bone marrow)
• Allogeneic (uses genetically similar marrow from a donor related to the patient)
What is the history of the BMT Program?
GHS and Cancer Centers of the Carolinas (CCC) were the first in the Upstate to offer stem cell transplants, the preferred treatment for these types of cancers. GHS and CCC established stem cell transplantation in the Upstate in 1992, and through our nationally accredited program, patients receive state-of-the-art, high quality care close to home.
GHS and CCC also recently became the Upstate’s first and only collection site for the National Marrow Donor Program. This means that registered bone marrow donors no longer have to travel to have their stem cells harvested. They can do everything right here in Greenville regardless of where their recipient is located!
Is the program accredited?
Yes, it is accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) for autologous transplantation. Our program was the state’s first transplant program to receive this prestigious accreditation.
Why is it important to have this program close to my home?
Having this program close to home and under one umbrella offers continuity of care at its highest level. A local stem cell transplant program allows you to stay close to home and to family support. The decreased stress on you and your support system helps ease the inevitable strain of a serious illness and accompanying intensive treatment.
When you turn to us for your care, you will be in the trusted and caring hands of the area’s top doctors, nurses and transplant staff. You will have the peace of mind knowing that we offer some of the most advanced therapies available for blood cancers, bone marrow disorders and related diseases.
Who are the transplant doctors?
Suzanne Fanning, D.O., Director, Hematology/Stem Cell Transplantation
Dr. Fanning earned her medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She performed her residency and internship at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pa., and completed her fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Board certified in medical oncology, hematology and internal medicine, she is actively involved in clinical research and stem cell transplantation.
Saeeda Chowdhury, M.D., Transplant Program Associate Physician
Dr. Chowdhury received her medical degree from Dhaka Medical College in Dhaka, Bangladesh. After completing her internship at Dhaka Medical College, she went on to complete her internal medicine residency at the Hospital of Saint Raphael (a teaching affiliate of Yale University School of Medicine) in New Haven, Conn.
Dr. Chowdhury completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology at Yale University School of Medicine and is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and oncology. She joined Cancer Centers of the Carolinas in 2009 where she participates in clinical research and actively manages patients in the transplant program.
Where will I go for my transplant?
Outpatient transplant care is offered at Cancer Centers of the Carolinas, 65 International Drive in Greenville. Inpatient care is provided at GHS Cancer Center near downtown Greenville.
What is the referral process?
You may self-refer to the BMT Program by calling (864) 527-8590. However, it is preferable for a doctor to make the referral. That way, the doctor can provide a detailed treatment history and facilitate the transfer of records, including chemotherapy records, laboratory results, films and/or biopsy specimens.
Blood and Marrow Transplant Program
65 International Drive
Greenville, SC 29615
Phone (864) 370-1393
Fax (864) 370-1396
For more information about Blood Cell Transplant please select any of the following links:
Cancer Centers of the Carolinas
National Cancer Institute
American Cancer Society
Blood and Marrow Transplant Program
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has extensive education materials for patients and caregivers.
Please contact your oncologist if you think you or your loved one may be eligible for Blood Cell Transplant. For additional information, please email cancercare@ghs.org.