Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) is a potentially curative procedure for oncohematological pathologies and acquired or congenital bone marrow failure syndrome. In recent years, this procedure has been applied to non- oncological diseases, to older patients (non-myeloablative transplant) as well as to a greater number of patients (transplant from a non-related donor, peripheral blood, umbilical cord and bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells).

A complex procedure, it requires the contribution of a multidisciplinary team with professionals experienced in the diagnostic and treatment of the clinical complications that may arise before, during or after the transplant: hematology, oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, dentistry, gastroenterology, pneumonology, vascular surgery, otorhinolaryngology, psychiatry, pediatrics, clinical medicine, pathology, imaging diagnosis, psycho-social support.

The German Hospital started its autologous and allogeneic transplant program in adult patients, and has lately included pediatric patients.

In the inpatient bone marrow transplant (BMTunit), rooms are equiped with hepa-filters which provide a safe environment for the patient. All the rooms have private baths, cable television, a window view and beds for family members to stay overnight if required.

Patients arriving for consultation are discussed at the Service forum. Professionals referring a patient are invited to participate in those forums as well as in the daily visits, during which different aspects of the patient's medical condition are discussed.

BMT Unit Laboratories:

• Apheresis unit and a cryopreservation laboratory.
• Molecular biology laboratory, cytogenetics and histocompatibility tests for the study of chimera and residual disease, virology laboratory, immunosuppressor dosage.

Areas of interest:
NST (Non-Myeloablative Conditioning) in MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome), late effects and GVHc.

The Service reports its results to INCUCAI (National Service for Transplant Coordination). It has just applied for membership to the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT).