Tampa General Hospital (TGH) in the US has launched a new outpatient transplant unit at the TGH Cancer Institute to offer alternative cell therapy treatment.
The new cellular-immunotherapy transplant unit (CTU) will provide treatment options for patients with aggressive blood cancers, such as lymphomas, leukaemias, multiple myeloma, and other cancers.
TGH Cancer Institute vice-president and executive director Dr Eduardo Sotomayor said: “The establishment of the new cellular-immunotherapy transplant unit at the TGH Cancer Institute represents a major milestone in our endeavour to remain at the forefront of innovative treatments for patients with complex cancers.
“Through this latest advancement, patients can receive cell therapy treatment at Tampa General on an outpatient, instead of inpatient, basis.”
Adults receiving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and bone marrow transplant (BMT) will receive daily treatment as outpatients at the new unit.
They can receive the treatment while residing at home, provided that they have a 24/7 caregiver to track their condition, take vitals, and maintain regular communication with TGH clinicians.
Patients and their caregivers must satisfy specific medical criteria, reside within the hospital’s 60-minute radius, and take a compulsory educational course to be eligible for the outpatient treatment programme.
Tampa General multiple myeloma, BMT and cell therapies programme director Dr Ivan Borrello is leading the CTU with support from a team of nurses, practitioners, and social workers specialising in cell therapy.
The care team conducts thorough evaluations of CTU patients to determine whether outpatient cell therapy is the most suitable treatment option.
The CTU team ensures quick hospital admission if a patient's condition necessitates it.
Designed for patient comfort, the TGH Cancer Institute cell therapy unit offers beds or recliners during treatment sessions.
Supported by academic medicine, the institute delivers care through therapies, diagnostic imaging tools, and a coordinated approach to patient care.
