Outpatient stem cell transplant: No place like home

Rebecca Zoltowski and Andrzej Jakubowiak, MD

Resting in a lounge chair, Rebecca Zoltoski sat knitting a hat in a private bay on the top floor of the outpatient blood and bone marrow stem cell transplantation program was designed to provide just this level of comfort and convenience for patients. The program offers patients the full course of treatment (pre-transplant evaluation, conditioning, infusion of their stem cells, engraftment and recovery) on an outpatient basis.

The service is offered to select multiple myeloma and lymphoma patients. Individuals are subject to a thorough screening and evaluated based on their age, ability to perform certain activities and distance from UChicago Medicine. Another requirement is that patients must have a 24/7 caregiver, who can be a relative or friend and does not need to be a trained medical professional.

"Knowing you are going home every day gives patients a psychological advantage," Bishop said. "Only one in four will need to be admitted to the hospital, primarily to care for symptoms of infection."

Andrzej Jakubowiak, MD

Outpatient blood and bone marrow stem cell transplantation

Outpatient blood and bone marrow stem cell transplantation offers the full benefits of this life-saving treatment while allowing the patient to spend nights in the comfort of their own home. 

Learn more about our outpatient stem cell services
Michael R. Bishop, MD

Michael R. Bishop, MD

Michael R. Bishop, MD, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of lymphomas and leukemias. He is an expert in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy, including CAR T-cell therapy, an advanced form of immunotherapy.

Learn more about Dr. Bishop
 Andrzej Jakubowiak, MD, PhD

Andrzej Jakubowiak, MD, PhD

Andrzej Jakubowiak, MD, PhD, is an internationally known expert on multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. He works closely with the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) to bring the latest treatments to the patient’s bedside as quickly as possible.

See Dr. Jakubowiak's profile