2nd Annual Inland Northwest Myeloma/Lymphoma and Transplant Program Picnic
On August 23, Dr. Kaya had the opportunity to recognize individuals who have undergone an autologous stem cell transplant in the past year. Approximately 130 guests attended the picnic that celebrated the lives of the 32 patients who have received a transplant since the start of the program in August of 2005.
Guests included transplant patients, their families, CCNW staff, DMC staff and a few outside guests including State Senator Chris Marr. Those in attendance heard thoughtful personal stories about each patient from Dr. Kaya. Vicki Jones, a patient of Dr. Kaya’s, also presented him with a beautiful poem and photo collage of transplant patients in appreciation for all he has given them.
The Inland Northwest Myeloma/Lymphoma and Transplant program is the only stem cell transplant program in the region that provides transplant surgery as a medical treatment for patients with multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and acute myelogenous leukemia. This service allows patients to remain in a local setting, while receiving cutting edge technology treatment.
Stem cell transplantation at Cancer Care Northwest
Cancer Care Northwest is a regional leader in stem cell transplantation. Dr. Hakan Kaya is director of the Inland Northwest Myeloma/Lymphoma and Transplant Program, a collaboration between Cancer Care Northwest, Deaconess Medical Center and the Inland Northwest Blood Center. Dr. Kaya is the region’s only physician who has completed a formal stem cell transplantation fellowship. Since August 2005, Dr. Kaya has performed 32 stem cell transplantations.
What is stem cell transplantation?
High-dose chemotherapy can be very effective in destroying certain cancers, but the intense therapy can also damage healthy cells. In a process called autologous stem cell transplantation, doctors collect the patient’s own stem cells before they receive the high-dose chemotherapy. The healthy stem cells are returned to the patient’s body after treatment, improving its ability to recover.
How does it work?
Before receiving the high-dose chemotherapy, the doctor collects and temporarily stores the patient’s stem cells. Stem cells, found mainly in bone marrow, are the cells from which all blood cells develop. After the high-dose chemotherapy is delivered to kill the cancer cells, the patient’s healthy stem cells are returned to them to replace the stem cells that were destroyed by the therapy. The patient’s body uses these stem cells to reestablish bone marrow where blood cells are produced. This is very different than the often controversial field of stem cell research where stem cells are harvested from umbilical cords.