WarningWarning
Our "Book Now" feature should not be used for life threatening conditions such as heart attack, severe injury, poisoning, chest pain, or stroke. If you are experiencing such conditions, STOP and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY or visit your nearest Emergency Department.
Our blood disease experts are experienced in treating people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative disorders and rare blood cancers. We offer advanced pathology, targeted therapies and novel treatments through clinical trials.
Blood Cancer Expertise & Advanced Treatments
People with blood and bone marrow disorders have access to experts to get the most accurate diagnosis and start treatment in a timely manner at Wellstar. We treat:
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma
Leukemia, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML), hairy cell leukemia and others
Hematologic oncologists at Wellstar are compassionate physicians with advanced training in both blood conditions and cancer. They collaborate closely with Wellstar radiologists and hematopathologists—specially trained physicians in diagnosing conditions of the blood cell. Together, these specialized blood cancer doctors stage cancer and create the best treatment plan for you.
Our patients have access to a variety of advanced testing, personal medicine and novel therapies, including:
Next-generation DNA sequencing, a revolutionary type of molecular testing
Targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibody-drug conjugates and immunotherapy
Clinical trials for a variety of blood cancers
State-of-the-art imaging, including digital Positron Emission Tomography—Computed Tomography (PET/CT)
Our experts have experts
With Wellstar’s membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network, our hematologic cancer specialists can request eConsults — virtual second opinions — from Mayo Clinic specialists at no additional cost to patients. The Mayo Clinic treats more than 30,000 people with blood diseases every year.
Nationally recognized care
Wellstar is accredited by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) program and is the recipient of the COC’s Outstanding Achievement Award, the highest honor given to a cancer program in the United States.
Call Now
Connect with a member of our Wellstar Cancer team to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Wellstar and Mayo Clinic are working together to improve the delivery of healthcare. Through our collaboration, Wellstar combines the wisdom of Mayo with the expertise of Wellstar to offer the best care and treatment plans for even the most complicated diagnoses.
Blood disease specialists at Wellstar use advanced diagnostic tools to help patients get the most accurate diagnosis and start treatment quickly for blood cancers and other disorders.
Symptoms of blood cancer
We most commonly begin the diagnosis process for patients after they feel an enlarged lymph node. Symptoms for blood disorders vary by condition, but can include:
Swollen lymph nodes (most common)
Fever
Chills
Fatigue
Weakness
Bone & joint pain
Weight loss
Anemia (low healthy red blood cell count)
Advanced molecular testing
Diagnosis is primarily based on what our dedicated blood disorder pathologists learn from studying samples of a patient’s blood, body fluid or tissue. Our hematopathologists use advanced diagnostic techniques, including the use of next-generation DNA sequencing.
The resulting data helps our physicians create the most personalized treatment plan for each person, which may include highly effective targeted therapies.
State-of-the-art imaging
In some cases, advanced imaging is used to help stage blood disorders, which guides decision-making around the best therapies for a person. Patients may have a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
Our specialists are experts in advanced treatments and personalized medicine to help people with blood diseases.
The therapy that is recommended depends on a number of factors learned from the staging process. Each personalized plan includes the latest evidence-based treatments so people have the best outcomes. Treatments that may be recommended to people with a blood disease can include:
Targeted therapies and biologic drugs: Some of the latest cancer treatments are biologic therapies and other targeted therapies. Targeted therapies are aimed at specific genetic abnormalities or proteins in the cancer’s DNA, which are found with biomarker testing. These play an important role in personalized medicine.
Monoclonal antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs): This type of targeted therapy combines anti-cancer drugs with antibodies that navigate and bind to select antigens in the immune system. The antibody delivers a cancer-killing agent directly to targeted cells inside the cancer. ADCs are often paired with chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy: For specific types of cancer like Hodgkin lymphoma, this biological therapy can be highly effective. Immunotherapy boosts a patient’s own immune system to fight and slow down the cancer’s growth.
Clinical trials: Patients with blood cancer have access to clinical trials through the Wellstar Research Institute and Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, who work with select local and national partners. We have a strong track record of participating in promising oncology clinical trials, many of which have resulted in FDA approval.
Chemotherapy: This systemic treatment affects the cancer cell DNA and its ability to divide and grow. Chemotherapy is given to people with various types of blood cancers, sometimes in combination with other treatments to improve effectiveness and reduce recurrence.
Radiation therapy: In rare cases, patients with blood cancers may benefit from external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). This radiation therapy aims high-energy X-ray beams at a specific part of the body to target cancerous or benign tumors and destroy the genetic material that allows tumor cells to grow and divide.
Support Services
People with cancer have access to an incredible network of support at Wellstar. While you navigate your diagnosis and treatment, our support groups, one-on-one support and education can improve your quality of life in many ways. The goal of our comprehensive support program is for patients to heal medically, physically and emotionally during treatment and beyond.
Patients may find it beneficial to work with:
Registered oncology dietitians, who help people maximize their nutrition and well-being
Oncology social workers, who help people undergoing treatment improve their quality of life with counseling, education and connection to resources
Oncology psychologists and psychiatrists, who work with people to manage the emotional side of cancer
Physical therapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists, who provide rehabilitation services
Palliative care specialists, who offer complex symptom management
Genetic counselors, who help patients with rare syndromes linked to cancer to understand their disease, make informed decisions about treatment and lifestyle choices, and discuss how results may affect their family members
No matter which type of support you need, we’re here to help you and your loved ones face cancer with confidence.
When it comes to blood cancers (also known as hematologic cancers) see the team at the Georgia Cancer Center first. We offer the region’s onlybone marrow and stem cell transplant programto treat adult leukemia, lymphoma and other types of blood cancer.
We are able to perform many types of stem cell transplants including autologous (using the patient’s)stem cell transplant andallogeneic (uses another person's) stem cell transplant. The four types of allogeneic transplant are:
Match-related donor
Match-unrelated donor
Half-match donor
Umbilical cord blood transplants
Our Approach
Our center has a comprehensive approach to treat patients: from diagnosis through treatment, into remission, followed by stem cell transplantation and then follow up care as a cancer survivor.
Each patient is supported by a team that includes nurse practitioners, inpatient nurses, nurse navigators, social workers, oncology pharmacists, stem cell collection (apheresis) staff, and stem cell processing staff. The team also includes specialized laboratory staff for DNA tests, like HLA typing.
Blood & Marrow Transplantation
The Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University has the region’s only Blood & Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy (BMT&CT) program to treat adult leukemia, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and other types of blood cancers and disorders.
Our BMT&CT multidisciplinary team includes transplant-trained physicians, nurse practitioners, inpatient nurses, transplant coordinators, nurse navigators, social workers, oncology pharmacists, stem cell collection (apheresis) staff, financial coordinator, and stem cell collection & processing staff. The team also includes specialized laboratory staff for DNA tests, such as Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing.
Comprehensive Care
We provide a comprehensive treatment program that includes prompt access to consultation or second opinion for all hematologic malignancies, as well as access to the Georgia Cancer Center or Cooperative Group Clinical Trials.
Our Blood & Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program (BMT&CT) includes these life-saving alternatives:
Autologous stem cell transplant uses a patient’s own stem cells; you may hear your care team refer to this as an “autotransplant".
Allogeneic stem cell transplant uses healthy stem cells from a matched relative or matched unrelated donor; you may hear your care team refer to this as an “allo transplant".
CAR-T cell therapy. As a part of cellular therapy, our BMT&CT program offers the FDA approved Chimeric Antigen Receptor–T (CAR-T) cell therapy . CAR-T cell therapy is a cancer immunotherapy treatment that uses genetically engineered T cells to trigger a patient's immune system to identify and destroy certain cancer cells.
CAR-T cell therapy is not a first line of treatment for cancer and it is not the same or substitute for the bone marrow transplant. Only some types of leukemia and lymphoma can be treated with CAR-T. Please contact us to find out more about the options for CAR-T cell therapy.
What to Expect
The process of a bone marrow/stem cell transplant can be long and difficult, but patients benefit from the support of a dedicated multidisciplinary care team who are there to answer your questions before, during and after your procedure.
The bone marrow and stem cell transplant process includes:
Evaluation and preparation: Before transplant, the Blood & Marrow Transplant (BMT) team will need to determine that you are healthy enough for the transplant. Patients complete medical tests, including bone marrow biopsy, heart tests, blood and lung studies, along with consultation with the transplant team, including a psychological evaluation.
Collection: Depending on the type of transplant one is undergoing (Autologous or Allogeneic), stem cells will be collected either from the patient (also referred to as the recipient) or from a matched donor. The Georgia Cancer Center works with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), who provides excellent patient and family education
Conditioning: Patients are treated with high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation to destroy cancer cells and ready the body for transplant.
Infusion: Bone marrow/stem cells are infused through an IV, similar to a blood transfusion.
Recovery: Over the course of 2 to 6 weeks, transplanted bone marrow/stem cells engraft. Engraftment is when the donated cells you received for your transplant start to grow and make new blood cells in your body. During this time, your doctor will monitor your blood counts closely and may prescribe antibiotics and other medications.
Follow up: Your transplant team will remain in contact with you for the next year or more to provide medical follow-up and supportive care.
Stem cells from blood, not bone
Collecting stem cells from bone marrow by puncturing bone was more common in the past (called a bone marrow transplant), now most of the stem cells are collected from blood (called a peripheral blood stem cell transplant, or PBSCT). These stem cells produce the key components of blood: red cells that carry oxygen, white cells that are part of the body's immune response, and platelets that cause clotting.
You may receive chemotherapy or radiation to prepare for the stem cell transplant. This is also called the preparative or conditioning regimen.
Non-surgical transplant procedure
Some people may think a stem cell transplant is a surgical procedure, but it is more like a blood infusion. During a transplant, healthy stem cells are given to the patient through a central line (similar to an IV) that is placed in a large vein, usually in the neck or chest. It usually takes a few hours, and patients can read or relax during this procedure.
Support Services
The treatment plan may include several therapies and support services selected for specific care needs, which will become the multidisciplinary team. Some of these services may include:
Stem cell transplantation
Chemotherapy, radiation or drug therapies
Clinical trials
Image Boutique, offering supplies to help survivors look and feel their best
Integrative therapies, including music therapy, chair yoga, and other support programs
Autologous stem cell transplants refer to stem cells that are collected from a patient and given back to that same individual. Autologous transplants are by far the most common type of transplant performed in myeloma patients today. With this type of transplant, the patient's stem cells are obtained prior to high-dose chemotherapy, frozen, and stored if necessary, and are then given back to the patient after high-dose of chemotherapy.
Who is a Candidate Autologous Stem Cell Transplants?
High-dose chemotherapy accompanied by autologous stem cell transplant are considered by many to be a standard of care for healthy patients. It is a treatment option for patients with newly diagnosed disease and for those who have already received other treatments. In general, patients with good performance status, adequate kidney function and minimal comorbidity are eligible.
Advantages of autologous stem cell transplant
The patient serves as his or her own source of stem cells: there is no need to find a donor and there is no risk of incompatibility.
Autologous transplants are relatively safe procedures: low rates of complications and infections compared with Allogeneic transplants.
In some instances, much of the procedure can be done on an outpatient basis.
Challenges
Autologous transplants may not be an option for some patients. In certain instances, prior treatment with certain chemotherapy drugs or with radiation therapy to the spine or pelvis may reduce the number of stem cells that can be collected for an Autologous transplant.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants use donor stem cells to restore a patient’s marrow and blood cells. Allogeneic transplants are a treatment option for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, aplastic anemia and myeloproliferative disease.
There are several ways donor stem cells can be obtained for this type of transplant:
Matched related (siblings) donor
Matched unrelated donor or cord blood
Haploidentical (half matched related donor) transplant
The donor will have an evaluation for eligibility; if eligible, their stem cells will most likely to be collected from peripheral blood process. Once collected, the stem cells are frozen until used for the patient’s Allogeneic stem cell transplant.
National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)
In the event a patient needs an allogeneic transplant and does not have a matched sibling, we get the matched unrelated donor or cord blood by searching international registry of NMDP, Be the Match.
Our multidisciplinary team includes a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Lab, which is vital for matching a patient to potential donors.
Who is a candidate for allogeneic stem cell transplants
In general, patients with good performance status, adequate kidney function, and minimal comorbidity are eligible. The donor must also be in good health and meet blood donor standards.
High-dose chemotherapy accompanied by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant is a treatment option for patients with newly-diagnosed disease and for those who have already received other treatments. Allogeneic transplant is primarily performed for patients with Leukemia.
Advantages of allogeneic stem cell transplant
The Allogeneic transplant recipient may achieve complete remission of the disease (blood cancer) following this type of transplant.
Measures are taken to prevent GVHD complications following these transplants.
Challenges
Finding a suitable donor can be difficult.
Managing post-transplant graft versus host diseases (GVHD).