A stem cell transplant is a procedure during which doctors either replace diseased or ineffective stem cells with healthy new stem cells as treatment for leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers or diseases. The infusion of healthy stem cells reestablishes a healthy blood supply and rebuilds the body’s immune system to effectively fight cancer.
At Dana-Farber, patients can be eligible for a stem cell transplant in either an outpatient or inpatient setting. This is often determined by a variety of factors, including patient condition, care needs, and type of transplant.
What should I know about stem cell transplants as an inpatient or outpatient?
An inpatient stays at the hospital during treatment while an outpatient is seen in an outpatient clinic setting without being admitted overnight. At Dana-Farber, the transplant physician makes the decision whether the transplant should take place in the inpatient or outpatient setting and considers factors such as age, psychological consultations, physical exams, commitment of their caregivers, proximity to Dana-Farber, and a variety of other tests and factors.
“The entire outpatient process is as safe and effective as being treated inside the hospital,” says Corey Cutler, MD, MPH, medical director of the Adult Stem Cell Transplantation Program at Dana-Farber. “The low level of risk associated with reduced-intensity transplants makes them well-suited as outpatient procedures for many patients.”
Each treatment plan is unique to the stem cell transplant patient, but all aspects of patient care, from conditioning chemotherapy to follow-up monitoring, are the same for both outpatient and inpatients.
Learn more about the inpatient and outpatient process.
What are the benefits of outpatient treatment?
As an outpatient stem cell transplant recipient, you have the opportunity to:
- Be surrounded by your loved ones.
- Have more freedom in your day-to-day life, such as the ability to stay active and eat foods you are accustomed to.
- Have privacy.
- Better sleep.
- Receive support from a resource specialist who can help with transportation to/from the hospital and nearby hotel accommodations.
Outpatient transplant recipients can receive the same services as hospitalized patients — nutritional counseling, educating caregivers on patients’ needs during and after treatment, pharmacy services, social work and financial counseling — in conjunction with their transplant. Whether you are an outpatient or inpatient, resources for long-term survivorship care are provided.
What happens if I’m an outpatient and I have a problem?
Dana-Farber care and resources are available to all patients at all times. Patients with concerns can call the direct line to a clinician to ask questions and what their next steps should be.
“If an unexpected health issue arises at any point, patients can be admitted to the hospital for further treatment or monitoring,” Cutler adds.
Dana-Farber is the only cancer center in New England that offers both outpatient and inpatient stem cell transplants and has been recognized for exceptional patient outcomes for both adults and pediatric patients.
“It’s amazing to see patients who go through this process. They are always happy to have the opportunity to avoid lengthy hospital stays,” Cutler says.