Hematology and Medical Oncology at Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center
The hematologists and medical oncologists at Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center are experts in diagnosing and treating a range of cancers and blood disorders.
Top-Rated Hematology & Medical Oncology Services
At Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center, medical oncologists and hematologists are part of a multidisciplinary team who works together to provide the best cancer care for patients. Our medical oncologists serve as primary cancer physicians, collaborating with other cancer specialists to develop a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. This plan may include cancer drugs, surgery, radiation or a combination of treatments for the most effective outcomes. Our hematologists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of many types of blood cancers and disorders. We offer state-of-the-art therapies for diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, as well as access to clinical trials with FDA-approved innovative novel therapies. For children with cancer or a blood disorder, the Wellstar Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Center at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia provides the area’s leading pediatric oncology and hematology specialists.Blood cancer care
Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center offers the region’s only blood and bone marrow stem cell transplant program to treat blood cancer by restoring stem cells that have been destroyed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.Conditions we treat
- Leukemia
- Lymphomas
- Multiple Myeloma
- Aplastic Anemia
- Amyloidosis
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome
- Myelofibrosis
Chemotherapy & immunotherapy
For patients whose treatment plan includes infusion therapy, the infusion suite at Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center provides a relaxing environment and a highly trained team dedicated to providing the finest individualized care in the region. The most common types of infusion therapies are chemotherapy, during which powerful drugs are administered to patients in order to destroy rapidly growing cancer cells, and immunotherapy, when patients are given medications to either suppress or stimulate their immune systems to help fight infections or cancers.Our Services
- Transplant Program
- Transplant Process
- Autologous Transplant
- Allogeneic Transplant
- Infusion Center
- Infusion Therapies
- Support Services
Blood & Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program
Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center has the CSRA’s only Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program to treat adult leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other types of blood cancers and disorders. Each patient is supported by a team that includes advanced practice providers, inpatient nurses, transplant coordinators, nurse navigators, social workers, oncology pharmacists, stem cell collection (apheresis) staff and stem cell processing staff. The team also includes specialized laboratory staff for DNA tests, such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing. We are one of only three adult blood and marrow transplant programs in Georgia accredited by both the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) for autologous and allogeneic transplants and cell processing, and the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). Our program includes these life-saving treatment options:- Autologous stem cell transplant: Uses a patient’s own stem cells
- Allogeneic stem cell transplant: Uses healthy stem cells from a matched relative or matched unrelated donor
- Bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs): Our program offers BiTEs technology, a kind of new immune therapy intended to treat cancer. This therapy enhances the patient's immune response to fight against cancer cells.
- Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy: As part of cellular therapy, our program offers the FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy. CAR T-cell therapy is a cancer immunotherapy treatment that uses genetically engineered T-cells to trigger a patient's immune system to identify and destroy certain cancer cells.
Transplant Process
The process of a bone marrow/stem cell transplant can be long and difficult, but patients benefit from the support of a dedicated multidisciplinary team who is there to answer your questions before, during and after your procedure.- Evaluation and preparation: Before transplant, the blood and bone marrow transplant team will need to determine that you are healthy enough for the transplant. Patients complete medical tests, including a bone marrow biopsy, heart tests and blood and lung studies, as well as a consultation with the transplant team, which includes a psychological evaluation.
- Collection: Depending on the type of transplant you are undergoing (autologous or allogeneic), stem cells will be collected either from the patient or from a matched donor. Most of the stem cells are collected from peripheral blood, but occasionally need collection from the bone marrows. Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center works with the NMDP, which provides excellent additional patient and family education.
- Conditioning: Patients are treated with high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation to destroy cancer cells and ready the body for transplant.
- Infusion: Bone marrow/stem cells are infused through an intravenous (IV) line, similar to a blood transfusion. It usually takes a few hours, and patients can read or relax during this procedure.
- Recovery: Over the course of two to six weeks, transplanted bone marrow/stem cells engraft. Engraftment is when the donated cells you received for your transplant start to grow and make new blood cells in your body. During this time, your doctor will monitor your blood counts closely and may prescribe antibiotics and other medications.
- Follow up: Your transplant team will remain in contact with you for the next year or more to provide medical follow-up and supportive care.
Autologous Stem Cell Transplant
Autologous stem cell transplants refer to stem cells that are collected from a patient and given back to that same individual. Autologous transplants are the most common type of transplant performed in myeloma patients today. With this type of transplant, the patient's stem cells are obtained prior to high-dose chemotherapy, frozen, stored if necessary, then injected back into the patient after chemotherapy.Who is a candidate?
High-dose chemotherapy accompanied by autologous stem cell transplant is considered by many to be a standard of care for healthy patients. It is a treatment option for patients with newly diagnosed disease and for those who have already received other treatments. In general, patients with good performance status, adequate kidney function and minimal comorbidity, or the simultaneous presence of multiple conditions, are eligible.Advantages
- The patient serves as their own source of stem cells. There is no need to find a donor and there is no risk of incompatibility.
- Autologous transplants are relatively safe procedures with low rates of complications and infections compared to allogeneic transplants.
- In some instances, much of the procedure can be done on an outpatient basis.
Challenges
Autologous transplants may not be an option for some patients. In certain instances, prior treatment with chemotherapy drugs or with radiation therapy to the spine or pelvis may reduce the number of stem cells that can be collected for an autologous transplant.Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
Allogeneic stem cell transplants use donor stem cells to restore a patient’s marrow and blood cells. Allogeneic transplants are a treatment option for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, aplastic anemia and myeloproliferative disease. There are several ways donor stem cells can be obtained for this type of transplant:- Matched related (siblings) donor
- Matched unrelated donor or cord blood
- Haploidentical (half matched related donor) transplant
National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)
In the event a patient needs an allogeneic transplant and does not have a matched sibling, we find the matched unrelated donor or cord blood by searching NMDP’s international registry. Our multidisciplinary team includes a HLA lab, which is vital for matching a patient to potential donors.Who is a candidate?
In general, patients with good performance status, adequate kidney function and minimal comorbidity are eligible. The donor must also be in good health and meet blood donor standards. High-dose chemotherapy accompanied by allogeneic stem cell transplant is a treatment option for patients with newly diagnosed disease and for those who have already received other treatments. Allogeneic transplant is primarily performed for patients with leukemia.Advantages
- The transplant recipient may achieve complete remission of their blood cancer or condition following this type of transplant.
- Measures are taken to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) complications following these transplants.
Challenges
- Finding a suitable donor can be difficult.
- Management of post-transplant GVHD complications
Infusion Center
The Infusion Center at Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center is a state-of-the-art facility that administers intravenous cancer treatments and other infusions. Our services are delivered in a comfortable environment by highly trained and qualified staff who strive to meet the needs of each patient.Expert infusion team
Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center has assembled a best-in-class team of infusion nurses with years of experience administering infusions and providing compassionate care for patients undergoing chemotherapy. They are certified in both chemotherapy and immunotherapy through the Oncology Nursing Society. Our team will work closely with your medical oncologist to address any issues during your treatment, as well as educate you about your treatment and any potential side effects. They will also contact other service providers such as social workers, dietitians or your nurse navigator to help take care of any problems you may be experiencing.Outstanding amenities
The Infusion Center is located on the second floor of Wellstar Georgia Cancer Center. Our center is equipped with:- 30 recliner chairs: Patients receive treatment in oversize recliners that are arranged in sections, or pods, consisting of six chairs each. Individual chairs have accommodations for two guests, who are welcome to be with the patient during treatment.
- 6 private rooms with beds: Private rooms are available, as needed, for patients who are ill or require longer infusion treatments.
Types of Infusion Therapies
Infusion therapy, the process of introducing medications into a patient’s vein using a needle or catheter, is often an important part of cancer treatment. Infusion therapies include:- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy includes a number of medications—both oral and intravenous—that affect the cancer cell DNA and its ability to divide and grow. Newer chemotherapies have been developed with fewer side effects and newer cancer support drugs—such as anti-nausea medicines—that have improved the chemotherapy experience for patients.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment, also known as biotherapy, is based on the concept that a patient’s own immune system can fight their cancer. Immunotherapy drugs wake up the patient’s own immune system to see and fight the cancer.
- Other therapies: We also administer other infusions such as iron, fluids and blood products.
Support Services
Your treatment plan may include several therapies and support services selected for your specific care needs. These may include:- Stem cell transplantation
- Chemotherapy, radiation or drug therapies
- Clinical trials
- The Image Boutique, helping you look and feel your best
- Integrative therapies, including music therapy, chair yoga and other support programs
- Mental and spiritual health counseling
- Symptom management