Mayo Clinic/Phoenix Children's Hospital BMT Program Now Largest in Arizona to Serve Both Adults and Children

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

PHOENIX — The combined blood and marrow transplant (BMT) program between Mayo Clinic and Phoenix Children's Hospital (PCH) is now the largest in Arizona, according to statistics published by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP).

Between June 1, 2008, and May 30, 2009, the combined program resulted in 122 blood and marrow transplants for adult and pediatric patients, making it the largest in the state. Between 2003 and 2007, the one-year survival rate for unrelated donor transplants facilitated by the NMDP was 76 percent, higher than the predicted 66 percent survival rate and the national average of 56 percent.

The Adult Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, located at Mayo Clinic, was the first such BMT program in the Phoenix metropolitan area and provides transplant services for both autologous and allogeneic transplants. Autologous transplants occur when stem cells come from one's own blood or bone marrow. When stem cells come from another person, they are known as an allogeneic transplant.

The adult BMT program works closely with the Acute and Chronic Leukemia program at Mayo Clinic, as well as with the programs caring for patients with myeloma and lymphoma. This ensures a seamless transition from initial chemotherapy to transplantation, and optimizes care for patients.

The history of the collaboration with PCH dates back to 2000, when PCH and Mayo Clinic began discussing the feasibility of jointly developing a pediatric blood and marrow program, with the goal being to bring together the combined strengths of both organizations to serve patients and families in the Valley. The program officially opened in September 2003.

Previously, children were sent out of the Valley for BMT treatment, which can require several months of intensive care. By having the program at PCH, families are able to remain close to their children throughout their episode of care.

Roberta Adams, M.D., is director of the combined Mayo Clinic/PCH program BMT program. James Slack, M.D., is the adult clinical director.

"The collaborate program between Mayo Clinic and PCH allows Mayo to extend clinical, administrative and infrastructural expertise in BMT to the pediatric community, while allowing critically ill children to be treated in a facility specially designed to meet their needs," says Dr. Adams. "The collaboration also permits children to remain in the Phoenix area, instead of having to move out of town or out of state for several months while they undergo treatment."

In addition to inpatient clinical care, the BMT program at PCH provides family support, counseling, school reentry programs and kids' camps.

To request an appointment at Mayo Clinic, please call 480-422-1490 for the Arizona campus, 904-494-6484 for the Florida campus, or 507-216-4573 for the Minnesota campus.

About Phoenix Children's Hospital

Phoenix Children's Hospital is Arizona's only licensed children's hospital, providing world-class care in more than 40 pediatric specialties to our state's sickest kids. Though Phoenix Children's is one of the ten largest freestanding children's hospitals in the country, rapid population growth in Arizona means the Hospital must grow as well. Phoenix Children's recently announced a $588 million expansion plan to bring its special brand of family-centered care to even more patients and families. The plan includes a significant upgrade of the Hospital's current campus, an aggressive physician recruitment effort, and new satellite centers in high growth areas of the Valley. For more information, visit the Hospital's website.

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About Mayo Clinic

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