Stem cell transplant procedures in Austin, Texas
COVID-19 policy for blood cancer & BMT hospital and clinic visitation
The Sarah Cannon Blood Cancer Center at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center places the highest priority on the health and safety of our patients, staff and caregivers. Due to the presence of Coronavirus/COVID-19 in our community, we are taking measures to protect our patients with compromised immune systems. Entrances to our hospital and clinic are limited to allow for effective screening of patients and visitors. You may enter the hospital through the Emergency Room entrance and the clinic main entrance.
HospitalVisitation Policy for Blood Cancer and BMT Units: For the protection of our immunosuppressed patients, no visitors are allowed onto the BMT unit. We encourage phone calls, FaceTime or other video/virtual interactions with family and friends.
BMT Clinic
One caregiver per patient will be allowed after being screened at clinic entrance. Screening will include questions re: recent travel, exposure to ill individuals, cough, fever, or other symptoms, and taking the patient’s or visitor’s temperature.
We will be sure to continue to keep all patients and visitors updated on the screening processes during this time.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 infection?
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
What can I do to protect myself and others?
Public health officials recommend the following steps to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often, using either soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel for at least 20 seconds
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces
Stay up-to-date
For additional information and ongoing updates on COVID-19, please refer to local and state health departments and the CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) hub.
When a patient's cells are no longer functioning properly, a blood and marrow transplant (BMT) may be required. A BMT can be performed using your own stem cells (autologous) or another person’s stem cells (allogeneic), to allow the patient to receive new cells that function properly.
At The Sarah Cannon Blood Cancer Center at St. David's South Austin Medical Center, we provide advanced care for patients who are in need of a BMT. Our expert team works together to provide continued support throughout your treatment and recovery.
For more information about our cancer care, please call askSARAH at (512) 840-6032.
Advanced stem cell transplant program
In affiliation with the Texas Transplant Institute at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, the Sarah Cannon Blood Cancer Network and Texas Oncology, we bring advanced treatment options to Austin, including the area’s only blood and marrow transplant program.
Our program offers inpatient and outpatient BMT services to provide comprehensive care for patients in need of blood cancer treatment. The outpatient clinic space provides patients with an outside entrance with nearby parking, so they do not have to walk through the main hospital to get to the clinic while in an immunocompromised state.
Specialized program for immunocompromised patients
We offer a Very Immunocompromised Program (V.I.P.), the only program in the area that focuses on promptly identifying and treating immunocompromised oncology patients arriving at the emergency room (ER). The program provides special training to the ER staff to identify and address the unique needs of our patients.
Our multidisciplinary team
The BMT team includes a comprehensive group of transplant professionals that guide our patients through the transplant process.
The team includes:
- Blood and marrow transplant nurse coordinators
- Board-certified hematologists and oncologists fully trained in transplant
- Board-certified hematopathologists
- Board-certified oncology pharmacists
- Case managers
- Chaplains
- Dietitians
- Financial counselors
- Oncology-certified registered nurses
- Rehabilitation therapists
- Social workers
Transplant nurse coordinator
The transplant nurse coordinator works closely with you from the moment you enter the transplant process. They manage your transplant calendar, set up your transplant evaluation and other appointments and coordinate all activities throughout the transplant process for you.
Our team works closely together throughout every stage of the treatment process to make sure you receive the highest level of care, as well as access to support services.
Conditions we treat with BMTs
BMTs are potentially lifesaving treatments for a variety of blood disorders/cancers including:
- Acute and chronic leukemia
- Amyloidosis
- Aplastic anemia
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
BMT treatments and services we offer
We offer a wide range of BMT treatments and services to ensure patients receive the care that is right for their unique situation.
These include:
- Acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) management
- Allogeneic BMT
- Autologous BMT
- Immune effector cell therapy (CAR T-cell therapy)
- Inpatient consultations
- Inpatient leukemia care
- Leukapheresis treatment
- Outpatient hematologic malignancies consultations and second opinions
- Photopheresis treatment
Additional services we offer
We offer additional support services to help patients successfully manage the transplant process.
Dietary services
A transplant presents special dietary needs. Because of this, our medical team consults with inpatient and outpatient dietitians for nutritional management throughout your treatment.
Financial coordination
A financial counselor provides patients with extensive financial guidance throughout the transplant process to ensure they are aware and prepared.
Long-term follow-up care
Our multidisciplinary team focuses on the assessment and management of the long-term complications of BMTs. The patient’s physical and emotional well-being is evaluated regularly throughout the post-transplant period, with the goal of returning the patient back to their regular lifestyle.
The program is also designed to keep the patient’s referring oncologist informed of post-transplant testing, any complications and appropriate interventions.
Patient education
We provide comprehensive education for BMT patients and their families. Our goal is to help everyone involved in the process feel prepared—from preparing for a transplant to caring for a loved one after a transplant.
Overview of Transplant & Cellular Therapies for Patients Needing a Blood and Marrow Transplant
Download Our Transplant and Cellular Therapies Patient Handbook
En español: Un Resumen General De Terapias De Trasplante Y Terapias Celulares
Psychology services
Throughout the transplant process and recovery, social workers are available to patients and their family members for emotional support.
Pharmacy services
Our pharmacy staff receives advanced training in the area of oncology and transplantation. The pharmacist will work closely with your healthcare team to manage your medication needs during and after your transplant. Our clinical pharmacy specialist is an excellent resource for information regarding the safe, appropriate and cost-effective use of your medications.
Contact our BMT team
The BMT team is committed to information sharing and communication. Our knowledgeable staff is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to meet the needs of our patients.
We use multiple resources to keep our referring physicians informed of their patient’s care, including weekly summaries and computerized data sharing programs. Physicians are available by email, pager or phone.
To contact or refer to the Sarah Cannon Blood Cancer Center at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, call (512) 816-8622.
About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute
As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.
askSARAH helpline
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (512) 840-6032.
