London Bridge Hospital marks 10 years of Stem Cell Transplant service for blood cancers and autoimmune disorders

HSCT often simply referred to as a ‘stem cell transplant’ is a highly specialised treatment that replaces damaged bone marrow with new healthy haematopoietic stem cells. It is an important treatment option for myeloma, lymphoma and leukaemia, which are types of blood cancer.

The treatment process begins with high dose chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, to wipe out the existing bone marrow and any abnormal or cancerous cells, while also suppressing the immune system. This is followed by a stem cell infusion of new healthy cells, which are either harvested from a patient’s own stem cells or are donated from a donor. These healthy stem cells then populate the bone marrow and restart the immune system. The treatment requires a highly skilled clinical team and complex inpatient care, with close monitoring and follow up. 

Since launching the service in 2015, the team at London Bridge Hospital have extended the availability of this treatment to people with relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. For these patients the treatment is used to ‘reboot’ the immune system and stop it from attacking the central nervous system. It has been a game changing break-through in treating this chronic lifelong condition.

At London Bridge Hospital consultant haematologists are supported by a wider clinical team of neurologists, specialist nurses, pharmacists, dieticians and supportive therapists. They take a multidisciplinary team approach creating a personalised care plan for each patient, providing both expert treatment and emotional support. 

In 2017 the team achieved their first JACIE accreditation, which recognises high quality patient care and medical practices in the field of HSCT, and is measured against a robust set of standards. The service received re-accreditation earlier this year, reaffirming its commitment to providing the highest quality care.

As part of HCA Healthcare UK, this service is part of their broader network of JACIE accredited haematology transplant units, available in London and Manchester.

Dr Majid Kazmi, Consultant Haematologist, London Bridge Hospital: “Over the last decade we have treated hundreds of patients from all over the UK, providing exceptionally high standards of care, both saving and improving lives. It’s been a real privilege to lead this service, we will undoubtedly see further advancements expanding the use of this important treatment to more genetic and autoimmune conditions in the future.”

Janene Madden, CEO, London Bridge Hospital: “As we reflect on the 10-year anniversary of our stem cell transplant service, I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved. This service is testament to the expert capability of our skilled medical teams, and the complex care we can provide at London Bridge Hospital. We remain committed to driving forward our HSCT programme and helping more patients access this lifechanging treatment.”

Learn more about services, treatment and care available at London Bridge Hospital.