New Brunswick, N.J. – Those who have a bone marrow transplant with donor stem cells (allogeneic) know of the many challenges they’ll face immediately following the procedure and further into recovery. “It can feel like an isolating experience,” says Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey social worker Lauren Kriegel, MSW, LSW, “but you’re really not alone.” Rutgers Cancer Institute is now offering what is believed to be the only support group in the region for bone marrow transplant recipients. The group, which will meet twice each month starting in February and targeted toward patients, family and caregivers, will be led by Kriegel, who is part of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at the Institute.
Many patients with blood cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and myeloproliferative disorders, may require months of intensive chemotherapy, while the best chance at survival for others may be a stem cell transplant. In some cases, donor cells can be collected either from the patient themselves (autologous) or from a sibling or unrelated donor (allogeneic) who has placed themselves on a national registry. These donor stem cells (which can be collected from bone marrow, peripheral blood or umbilical cord) will generate a new immune system that can help eliminate cancer cells.
Following the infusion of donor cells into the recipient, patients are monitored closely for at least the first 100 days. They are all put on immunosuppressive medications to help reduce the risk of a common post-transplant complication known as graft-versus-host disease, where newly transplanted donor immune cells attack the patient’s cells thinking they’re foreign to the body. Other post-transplant complications can include fatigue, hair loss, gastrointestinal distress and skin changes. These patients must also adhere to various restrictions to reduce the risk of infection as the new immune system matures over the course of the next year.
“Along with facing typical side effects and complications from the procedure and post-transplant medications, these patients and their caregivers face immediate challenges with everyday tasks that most of us take for granted like making dinner and keeping the house clean,” says Kriegel. “There is great strength in having your experience validated. By talking with others who have a shared experience, these patients can develop a better understanding of how to manage their recovery.”
The Bone Marrow Transplant Support Group will meet on the following dates/times over the next few months at Rutgers Cancer Institute (195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick):
- February 2 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
- February 18 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
- March 1 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
- March 17 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
- April 5 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
- April 21 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Refreshments will be provided. Registration is not required. For additional information, call Kriegel at 732-235-8522.
About Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (www.cinj.org) is the state’s first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. As part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey is dedicated to improving the detection, treatment and care of patients with cancer, and to serving as an education resource for cancer prevention. Physician-scientists at the Cancer Institute engage in translational research, transforming their laboratory discoveries into clinical practice, quite literally bringing research to life. To make a tax-deductible gift to support the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, call 848-932-3637 or visit www.cinj.org/giving. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheCINJ.
The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Network is comprised of hospitals throughout the state and provides the highest quality cancer care and rapid dissemination of important discoveries into the community. Flagship Hospital: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. System Partner: Meridian Health (Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center, Southern Ocean Medical Center, and Bayshore Community Hospital). Major Clinical Research Affiliate Hospitals: Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center and Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Overlook Medical Center. Affiliate Hospitals: JFK Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (CINJ Hamilton), and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset.