An end to the hardships of chemotherapy
Autologous Hematopoietic Stem
Cell Transplant Team United Christian Hospital
Since its service commencement in 2013, the Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Team at United Christian Hospital has successfully completed transplants for over 170 patients suffering from malignant lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Keeping pace with global medical advancements, the Team has adopted the use of hematopoietic growth factors alone to mobilise stem cells for collection in combination with specific novel medications, replacing the traditional ‘chemotherapy-plusgrowth-factors' method. This innovative chemo-free treatment not only reduces life-threatening risks associated with chemotherapy, such as fever and bacterial infections, but has also eliminated side effects like neutropenia and hair loss, while shortening patient hospital stays by 45%. Currently, the Team handles up to 20 cases annually, exceeding standard capacity by 60% and significantly enhancing both medical efficiency and patient safety.
The Team recalls, "a patient with high-grade lymphoma whose subsequent treatment after a successful stem cell collection was repeatedly delayed due to fluctuating clinical conditions. The patient became deeply discouraged and anxious, but through our precise clinical assessments and constant encouragement, she eventually completed the transplant successfully." Today, the patient frequently returns to the hospital to visit and inspire other patients, passing on the flame of hope.
The Team is often in a race against time, and the COVID-19 epidemic presented an unprecedented challenge. The hematology ward had to simultaneously manage new medical admissions while implementing rigorous infection control for the high-risk patients requiring enhanced protection. Recognising that delaying treatment could be fatal, the Team remained steadfast in maintaining services. In collaboration with the infection control team, they installed large exhaust fan systems and partition screens in the ward to create a localised negative pressure zone with more than 12 air changes per hour. Combined with strict viral testing for medical staff, these meticulous measures allowed the Team to sustain transplantation throughout the epidemic and achieve a remarkable ‘zero COVID-19 infection' record for transplant patients. The smiles and gratitude of their patients remain the ultimate driving force for the Team's continued pursuit of excellence amidst every challenge.
