Expert blood cancer care 

There are several types of blood cancers, the three main types are leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. 

Leukaemia: 

Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells of your bone marrow, which is the soft tissue found inside most bones where blood cells are made. Leukaemia causes a rapid production of abnormal white blood cells, which can crowd out healthy cells made in the bone marrow. 

There are four main types of leukaemia. They are named based on the type of white blood cell that is affected, and whether it is acute (fast growing), or chronic (slow growing). The four main types are:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) 
• Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
• Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
• Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)

Lymphoma:  

Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system, also known as lymphatic cancer, because these cancers start in the lymph nodes or other parts of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes (small glands), the spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. The lymphatic system is an essential part of our immune system and is responsible for fighting bacteria and other infections. 

The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 

Myeloma: 

Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are responsible for producing antibodies called immunoglobulins, that help fight infections. 

Myeloma occurs when there is an abnormality in your plasma cells and they begin to make antibodies that don’t work properly, or don’t work as effectively as before. 

Every person’s cancer diagnosis is unique and requires a personalised care plan. From diagnosis to treatment and follow-up care, our multidisciplinary team (MDT) of cancer experts, which is led by your chosen consultant, meet to discuss and recommend the best possible treatment plan for you.

We offer a full breadth of treatment options for blood cancer, including the latest and most advanced therapies. Your treatment plan is tailored to the specific type and sub type of blood cancer you have been diagnosed with. Depending on your individual diagnosis, your recommended treatment plan may include a stem cell transplant, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, advanced cellular therapy or targeted therapies.

Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

A Haematopoietic stem cell transplant, sometimes referred to as bone marrow transplant, is a highly specialised treatment. Our team of Haematology Consultants, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are experienced in all types of transplants. This includes autologous, allogeneic and haplo-identical stem cell transplants.

Our relentless commitment to high-quality, person-centred care means that all our Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant units are JACIE accredited. This is a European accreditation aligned to a governance framework that promotes high-quality care in haematopoietic stem cell transplant and cellular therapy.

How do stem cell transplants work?

Haematopoietic stem cells are cells found in your bone marrow; they produce your blood cells. Haematopoietic stem cell transplants work by destroying unhealthy blood cells and replacing them with healthy functioning cells. Stem cell transplants can be used to treat certain types of blood cancers, such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

There are different types of stem cell transplants, including:

• Autologous transplant: Using your own stem cells to replace the cells in your bone marrow that are not functioning properly. Stem cells are collected from your blood and then stored and returned to you after chemotherapy treatment.
• Allogeneic transplant: Using stem cells from a matched donor whose tissue type closely matches yours. This can provide a new source of healthy cells to replace those affected by cancer. Stem cells are collected from your donor and are infused to you after chemotherapy treatment.
• Haploidentical transplant: Often referred to a haplo transplant, this treatment technique uses stem cells from a half-matched donor. This can be an alternative transplant option for people who don’t have a full match donor. 
• Cord blood transplant: Using stem cells that are donated from umbilical cords of newborn babies. This transplant option may be suggested if you don’t have a matched donor from a relative or unrelated donor.

Our experienced transplant team will guide you through every step of the process, from pre-transplant evaluation to follow up care, ensuring you receive expert treatment and support.