UNM Health Sciences has announced that the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC) has reached a significant milestone by completing the first allogeneic transplant in New Mexico for blood cancer patients. This comes after these patients recently concluded their crucial 90- to 100-day checkup, marking an important advancement in stem cell transplantation treatment.
The Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant team, led by Dr. Matthew Fero, conducted the inaugural allogeneic stem cell transplant—a critical procedure in treating blood cancers, particularly leukemia. According to a press release by UNM Health Sciences, allogeneic transplants involve using stem cells from a donor to cure the disease, necessitating an extended hospital stay for patients to reduce infection risks. After hospitalization, patients remain near the transplant center for several additional months to ensure successful integration of the transplanted stem cells. This innovative approach contrasts with autologous transplants where the patient's own stem cells are harvested and reintroduced post-chemotherapy.
Fero said that "the patients completed their check-ups with flying colors," according to a press release by UNM Health Sciences. He added that "the ability to conduct allogeneic transplantation fills a large gap that previously existed in the care of patients with blood cancers in New Mexico. Together, with other advanced therapies at UNM, we should be able to treat nearly every type of [blood] disease."
In another statement released by UNM Health Sciences, Fero explained that "the patient receives an entirely new immune system that can attack the tumor cells and help to eradicate the remaining bits of residual disease. This immune response decreases the risk of the disease coming back."
As stated on its About website, UNMCCC is currently the only cancer center in New Mexico designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It holds a prestigious status as one of only 56 NCI-designated Comprehensive cancer centers in the country.
