Amarillo Blood and Marrow Transplant Program
The Amarillo Blood and Marrow Transplant
Program (ABMTP) provides comprehensive blood and marrow stem cell
transplantation services, primarily to patients with leukemia, lymphoma,
myelodysplastic syndromes, and multiple myeloma.
Established in 2001, the ABMTP program is
a collaboration between Texas Oncology-Amarillo Cancer Center,
Northwest Texas Hospital, and Coffee Memorial Blood Center. The program
is actively engaged in researching novel approaches to stem cell
transplantation.
Accreditations
ABMTP is one of few programs in Texas
accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy,
having demonstrated an exceptional level of patient care and medical and
laboratory practices.
As a designated National Marrow Donor
Program transplant center, blood cancer patients have access to the
largest marrow and stem cell donor registry in the nation. The
designation is based on demonstrating strong processes, physician
training and experience, and clinical data.
About Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Blood and marrow transplantation is a
medical procedure used to treat diseases once thought incurable. Blood
and marrow transplants allow patients to receive very high doses of
chemotherapy or radiation therapy during treatment.
Blood-forming stem cells are found in
bone marrow, the soft sponge-like material found inside bones and in the
bloodstream. These cells help build white blood cells, red blood cells,
and platelets in the body. Several types of transplants are available.
Peripheral Blood Stem Cell
Transplantation: Stem cells are removed from the bloodstream during a
process called apheresis or leukapheresis. The blood then goes through a
machine which removes the stem cells, the remaining blood is returned
to the patient, and the collected stem cells are stored for future use.
After the patient is treated with high-dose anticancer drugs and/or
radiation, the stem cells are administered to the patient. This
facilitates the production of blood cells.
Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT): The
patient's diseased bone marrow is destroyed and healthy marrow is
infused into the patient's bloodstream. In a successful transplant, the
new bone marrow migrates to the cavities of the large bones and begins
producing normal blood cells.
- Allogeneic BMT: If bone marrow from a donor is used for a BMT, the
transplant is called an allogeneic BMT. The new bone marrow infused into
the patient must match the genetic makeup of the patient's own marrow
as perfectly as possible, which is determined by special blood tests of
the patient and donor.
- Autologous BMT: Some patients qualify to donate their own bone
marrow. An autologous BMT is possible if the disease is in remission or
does not involve the bone marrow. With autologous BMT, the bone marrow
is extracted from the patient prior to transplant and may be purged in
order to remove any remaining malignant cells.
Our Medical Team
Vance Esler, M.D.
Seah Lim, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Vance Esler specializes in the
diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases and cancer. He is board
certified in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine. Dr.
Esler received his medical degree from The University of Texas
Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and completed his residency and
internship at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center of Pennsylvania State
University. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians.
Dr. Seah Lim specializes in blood and
marrow transplant services and hematology. Dr. Lim earned his medical
degree from Aberdeen University in Scotland and doctorate from the
University of Wales. He received training in internal medicine at
Aberdeen Teaching Hospitals and completed a fellowship in hematology at
the University of Birmingham and University of Cambridge in England.
Texas Oncology-Amarillo Cancer Center
1000 S. Coulter, Suite 100
Amarillo, TX 79106
806-358-8654