About the Program

A Center of Progress

The Duke Adult Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program was established in 1984, when Duke began performing autologous transplants. The program was expanded in 1996 to include allogeneic transplants. Our multidisciplinary team of more than 70 dedicated professionals creates individualized treatment regimens designed to meet each patient’s unique needs.

In addition to pioneering research in the treatment of breast cancer with autologous bone marrow/stem cell transplantation, Duke’s bone marrow transplant program is recognized for its innovative approaches to the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Duke has also received acclaim for its extensive studies of how other cancer treatments can best be combined with transplantation. These include immunotherapy, anti-angiogenesis therapy, and the latest chemotherapy and pharmacologic therapies.

The result of these efforts is a program unsurpassed in our service region and unequalled in most parts of the country or the world. Every year, hundreds of patients receive bone marrow or stem cell transplantation at Duke; nearly half of them come from other states or other nations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a bone marrow transplant?
2. What type of bone marrow transplant will I receive?
3. How should I plan to cover the cost of bone marrow or stem cell transplant?
4. How can I find out more about available clinical trials at Duke?

What is a bone marrow transplant?
Since bone marrow transplantation was pioneered in the late 1950s, it has rapidly evolved from an experimental therapy to an essential component of many cancer treatment regimens. This is because the high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy that are needed to effectively treat some types of cancer also damage or destroy other cells. These include the stem cells that reside within the bone marrow, which the body uses to make the various types of blood cells that carry oxygen, defend against infection, and prevent bleeding.

By replacing stem cells destroyed during cancer treatments, bone marrow transplantation restores the body’s ability to produce blood cells and regain the vital functions they perform. Patients can therefore receive more aggressive treatments, and recover more fully and easily, than would otherwise be possible.

What type of bone marrow transplant will I receive?
There are three types of transplants: autologous transplants, in which patients receive their own stem cells; syngeneic transplants, in which patients receive stem cells from their identical twin; and allogeneic transplants, which use stem cells from a family member or an unrelated donor. The type of transplant you have will depend on many factors, including your condition, stage of treatment, and from which source the closest match can be obtained. Your Duke transplant physician will discuss these considerations with you, and your team members will carefully educate you on the entire process, from preparation to follow-up care.

How should I plan to cover the cost of bone marrow or stem cell transplant?
Because bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant are complex, highly technical procedures, they are very expensive. Advances in treatment methods have reduced the amount of time many patients must spend in the hospital, helping reduce costs somewhat. Many health insurance companies cover some of the costs of transplantation for certain types of cancer. Insurers may also cover a portion of the costs if special care is required when the patient returns home. One of our social workers and financial coordinators can provide guidance in planning for these financial needs and help link you to other resources.

How can I find out more about available clinical trials at Duke?
Clinical trials can provide new treatment options for patients with advanced cancer, cancer that has returned, or cancer that has not responded to standard treatment. Your Duke transplant physician will let you know about clinical trials that might be a good match for your medical condition and treatment needs. Information about clinical trials is also available through the National Cancer Institute’s Web site at cancer.gov/clinical_trials. Please don’t hesitate to ask us if you would like to obtain additional information that will help you make your treatment decision.