Blood and marrow transplant program

Spectrum Health Cancer Center has the only blood and marrow transplant program in West Michigan. We are proud to provide these potentially life-saving marrow, peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood transplants for malignant and nonmalignant conditions. Spectrum Health’s Cancer Center adult blood and marrow transplant program is just one of four in the state, and is accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). FACT accreditation elevates Spectrum Health’s position as a quality organization and demonstrates our dedication to excellence in patient care and laboratory practices. We are proud to offer a full continuum of transplant care, allowing patients to stay closer to home throughout treatment.

• Phone: 616.486.5933 or 1.855.SHCANCER 
• Fax: 616.486.6486 
• Great Lakes Health Connect, select "Spectrum Health Adult Blood and Marrow Transplant"

Diagnoses treated with blood and marrow transplantation include, but are not limited to:

Before starting the transplant process, we conduct an overall assessment of the patient’s heart, lung, kidney and other organ functions. Additional chemotherapy may be required prior to transplant, as well as medications to help collect the stem cells. All testing and treatment is coordinated by our clinic team, with direction from the transplant physician. Our transplant coordinators are the patient’s initial go-to resource and help coordinate all aspects of care leading up to the point of transplant.

If needed, our search coordinator works to find a donor match by talking to family members or checking with the National Marrow Donor Program. A transplant financial coordinator assists patients by checking insurance benefits and sharing the costs associated with treatment. A dedicated social worker assesses and supports the patient’s social and emotional needs.

Inpatient care is provided at Lettinga Cancer Center in Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital (part of Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals) from an oncology-certified nursing team specially trained in caring for BMT patients. The BMT rooms in Lettinga Cancer Center are highly specialized with positive pressure and HEPA-filtration to keep patients safe while their immune systems are low. Each patient room also has a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi access. The inpatient stay will last several weeks or more, depending on the type of transplant received.

Our holistic approach to health and wellness includes access to scientifically proven integrative therapy options. Our goal is to minimize treatment side effects with strategies for pain control, symptom control and relaxation, including light touch massage, music therapy, and supportive care services, such as our comprehensive lymphedema program.

Following transplant, the patient goes home with important instructions about his or her personal aftercare. These instructions are reviewed with the patient and their family many times before transplant and again before going home. The transplant team provides close post-transplant monitoring.

This includes frequent visits, lab tests and any supportive care needed, such as adjustments to medications. Transplant patients see their referring physician for primary or general oncology care, after recovery from transplant.