Stem Cell and Cellular Therapy

The Ron and Nancy Clark Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit provides advanced care for patients from across Central South Ontario. We specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and care of people leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other blood cancers, including those who require stem cell transplantation or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CART-Cell) therapy.

Treatments

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a method of replacing cells in the bone marrow that cause cancer. Stem cells are collected from another person, the donor. These stem cells are given to the patient with the diseased marrow after they receive high dose chemotherapy or radiation. Special blood tests are performed to make sure the donor’s stem cells are compatible (matched) with the patient.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplant: Autologous stem cell transplantation is a method of treatment where the patient’s own bone marrow is used. Stem cells are removed from the patient and stored before they receive high dose chemotherapy or radiation treatment. After the treatment, their own stored stem cells are given back to them.

Depending on the type of disease and the patient’s overall health, his or her doctor may recommend either an allogeneic or an autologous transplant.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) Therapy: Cancer immunotherapy is a treatment which uses a patient’s own immune system to fight cancer. CAR-T cell therapy is a type of cancer immunotherapy to treat some forms of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It involves genetically modifying the patient’s own immune cells to be able to recognize and destroy the cancer cells.

What To Expect

Please be prepared to be at the hospital for the day. During your initial appointment, you will meet with multiple members of our team who will be working with you throughout your care.

  • Hematology Physician
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Social Worker
  • Cellular Therapy Nurse Coordinator
  • Pharmacist

Eligibility & Referrals

Stem Cell Transplant Referrals Referring Hematologists should complete and fax the New Patient Referral Form  to the New Patient Referral office: 905-575-6316.

CAR-T Referrals: Referrals for CAR-T cell therapy will be accepted for the following indications:

  • Relapsed, refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • Relapsed, refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Eligibility Criteria: Referring hematologists must review the eligibility criteria for relevant diagnostic indication. This is in alignment with criteria established by Cancer Care Ontario.

Eligibility Criteria for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell (CAR-T) Referral – Accompanying documentation list
Eligibility Criteria for Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma( ALL)
Juravinski Autologous Referral Document Checklist
Juravinski Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Referral Form 

 

For referring physicians wishing to determine current capacity for CAR-T at the Juravinski, please email CARTreferrals@hhsc.ca. This email address is only for queries related to capacity. Referrals will not be accepted via email.

Referrals for CAR-T therapy must include both the New Patient Referral Form and CAR-T Referral Checklist and be faxed to 905-575-6316.