City of Hope

City of Hope, a NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

City of Hope Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Translplantation located near Los Angeles, California.

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 Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
 Stephen Forman, M.D.
City of Hope was one of the first medical centers in the nation to perform a successful bone marrow transplant (BMT) for leukemia, in 1976.

Today, City of Hope leads the field of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) as one of the world’s largest and most successful transplant centers.

We combine important research discoveries with superior clinical techniques to provide the most advanced treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplasia and other blood disorders. City of Hope physicians are nationally recognized experts in the care of patients with these disorders.

We also provide new options for patients contemplating HCT – options which may make transplants possible for those who might not have previously been considered good transplant candidates.

These strengths have resulted in improved treatment outcomes, with longer disease-free survival, increased cure rates and fewer complications from treatment.

Forms of HCT
BMT, the most familiar form of HCT, involves taking stem cells from donor bone marrow and transplanting them into a patient whose bone marrow is compromised by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplasia, other cancers, or genetic disorders. The transplanted stem cells can then develop into normal blood cells, and the patient essentially gains a new immune system.

HCT also comprises two newer methods: peripheral blood cell transplantation and cord blood transplantation. Peripheral blood and cord blood (from the umbilical cord) both yield stem cells, which can be transplanted just as bone marrow can.

New Options in Transplants
City of Hope physicians are leaders in performing BMT/HCT transplants, continually refining and perfecting therapeutic techniques based on developing research.

History of Success
City of Hope has a solid history of success in developing novel therapies to treat a wide variety of diseases. Diseases treated with HCT include hematologic cancers such as acute and chronic leukemias, lymphomas, Hodgkin’s disease, as well as myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders. HCT is also useful in treating other cancers such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer, as well as noncancerous conditions such as inherited disorders of the bone marrow and autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma. 

We have designed and tested effective treatment programs for both initial treatment as well as treatment of relapse for patients with these disorders. The many success stories of our patients who have survived decades after their transplants are a resounding testament to City of Hope physicians’ expertise.

 HCT FAQs
How are donors for allogeneic transplantations found?
About 30 percent of patients needing a transplant get one from a family member whose HLA testing has identified compatibility between a patient and donor. This matching of donor and recipient reduces the chance of marrow rejection and greatly increases the likelihood of a successful transplant. The remaining 70 percent of patients must find an unrelated donor whose marrow is compatible. Currently, there are nearly 5 million volunteer donors in the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Be The Match Registry. Almost 50 percent of patients searching the Registry have at least one identically matched, unrelated donor. The NMDP is conducting a major effort at the 97 donor centers around the United States (of which City of Hope is one) to increase minority registration. As of January 2001, only 25 percent of the potential donors registered were from racial or ethnic minorities. As HLA types vary greatly between people of different ethnic backgrounds, increasing minority and ethnic representation will increase minority patients’ chances of finding matches.
How do HCT and PBSCT help patients?
HCT and PBSCT allow a patient to receive very high doses of chemotherapy and radiation designed to kill cancer cells. The high doses of therapy lead to the destruction of a patient's own marrow and immune system, which is then replaced by marrow from a donor or from peripheral blood stem cells that have been harvested before therapy.
How long have HCTs and PBSCTs been done?
This process was first used in the early 1970s. City of Hope’s HCT Program began in 1976. City of Hope began performing PBSCTs in 1988.
How many HCTs and PBSCTs are performed at City of Hope?
City of Hope has performed more than 9,200 transplants for patients from virtually every state as well as from numerous countries. HCT and PBSCT patients at City of Hope have ranged in age from less than one year old to 79. City of Hope’s HCT program is one of America’s largest, dedicated solely to the traditional and newer uses of this procedure.
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Professional Education
The Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) provides a comprehensive professional education program for physicians interested in furthering their knowledge in the HCT arena.
HCT is a rapidly-changing field, with exciting new discoveries being made constantly. It is vital for clinicians to keep pace with current research developments. Our professional education program offers a fellowship for physicians wishing to specialize in HCT.

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 HCT Counter
10,000
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10,612 HCTs

Performed as of February 05, 2012

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Become A Patient
To make an appointment for yourself, a family member or a friend, please complete and submit our Become a Patient Request Form, or call City of Hope at 800-826-HOPE (4673).
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Online Bookstore
City of Hope assembled a selection of helpful books for patients, caregivers and others dealing with hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and cancer in general
© 2012 City of Hope.
1500 East Duarte Road
Duarte, California 91010
626-256-HOPE (4673)
NCI CCC LogoCity of Hope is one of 40 Comprehensive Cancer Centers, the highest designation bestowed by the National Cancer Institute and a recognition of excellence in cancer treatment, research, prevention and education.
City of Hope strongly supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced.
NCI CCC LogoThe National Comprehensive Cancer Network®
(NCCN), a not-for-profit alliance of 21 of the world’s leading cancer centers, is dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer.
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