Methodist
Hospital
Foundation
Supporting
Excellence
in
Health Care
Patients at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center (MECC) are touched by the invisible hand of Methodist Hospital Foundation on every visit. Working tirelessly behind the scenes, the staff of Methodist Hospital Foundation raises the funds that allow MECC to be a leader in cancer diagnosis, treatment, research, prevention and support.
The physicians and staff of Methodist Hospital and Estabrook Cancer Center are profoundly grateful for the support of Methodist Hospital Foundation. This support allows Methodist to add comprehensive programs, cutting-edge technology and modern facilities to our compassionate care.
For more information or to make a contribution to Methodist Hospital Foundation, call (402) 354-4825 or visit www.bestcare.org |
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Expertise in the Treatment
of Multiple Myeloma
Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center Stem Cell Transplantation Program
By Julie Cerney
Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, a leader in the delivery of cutting-edge cancer care, offers a stem cell transplantation program for the treatment of multiple myeloma under the direction of Stefano Tarantolo, MD.
Dr. Tarantolo, a fellowship-trained hematologist/oncologist, specializes in the treatment of cancer and other diseases of the blood and blood-forming tissues. Over the past decade,
Dr. Tarantolo has performed more than 1,000 stem cell transplant procedures, giving him a rare depth of experience in transplantation medicine.
“Stem cell transplantation in combination with high-dose chemotherapy is a proven treatment for multiple myeloma that can ease symptoms and produce an anti-cancer response to help increase the length and quality of life,”
Dr. Tarantolo explains.
Stem cell collection, an outpatient procedure, removes stem cells from the bloodstream in a process similar to plasma donation. Growth factor medications are used to stimulate the production and release of stem cells from the patient’s own bone marrow into the bloodstream. Much of the treatment is available on an outpatient basis, including the initial delivery of customized, high-dose chemotherapy.
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Inpatient care on 6 South features a “care pair” team. Katie DeKay, CPA, and Sara Baird, RN, review care plans with Randy Cahill, MS, PAC, and Dr. Tarantolo. |
Later, after processing, these stem cells are returned to the patient in an infusion process that is much like a traditional blood transfusion. Ideally, the transplanted stem cells make their way into the bone marrow and begin producing healthy blood and immune system cells. This process is called engraftment.
“Methodist Hospital’s specially designed 6 South care unit provides the protective environment necessary for successful stem cell infusion and engraftment,” Dr. Tarantolo explains. “Because the patient is most vulnerable at this time, we provide expert monitoring within a specialized air filtration system,
with customized medical management to reduce the side
effects of treatment.”
Members of the multidisciplinary team of health care professionals who provide care and support throughout the inpatient stay at Methodist Hospital include Dr. Tarantolo, the program’s nurse case manager/coordinator and other specially trained physician assistants, oncology nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, social workers, chaplains and the behavioral health team.
For more information on the stem cell transplantation program at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, call (402) 354-5890.
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