Treating Cardiac Amyloidosis

Treatment options for cardiac amyloidosis depends on the type and severity. Our multidisciplinary team of experts will work with you on a strategy to manage your health and preserve your quality of life.

AL (Primary) Amyloidosis Treatment

Since AL amyloidosis starts in in the bone marrow, chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation are first-line treatments.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy destroys the cells in the blood that produce the abnormal protein. For AL amyloidosis, we offer both oral and intravenous chemotherapy. Members of our oncology team who are experts on the various types of chemotherapy will work with you to choose the best treatment option.

Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant

Some patients with AL amyloidosis may be candidates for a stem cell transplant. Receiving donor marrow from someone who is not affected by amyloidosis can prevent production of amyloid proteins and offer long-term management for the condition. As the birthplace of stem cell transplantation, the University of Chicago Medicine has the expertise you can trust if your physicians recommend this treatment.

TTR (Hereditary) Amyloidosis Treatment

For patients diagnosed with TTR amyloidosis, newer drug therapies are being developed to help manage the condition and prevent the cell mutation that causes the disorder. However, transplantation currently offers the best chance to reverse a patient's failing health so he can live a full, active life.

Heart Transplant

Since amyloidosis is not reversible, the ideal treatment for patients who have advanced cardiac amyloidosis is heart transplantation. Cardiac surgeons at UChicago Medicine have more than 30 years experience in heart transplantation.