UAMS physician addresses stem cell transplant needs

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — On May 19, UAMS and the Village Walk for Cancer Research jointly presented “The Doctor is in the Village” at Diamante Country Club.

According to a news release, Dr. Jogesh Jethava, the stem cell transplant director at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, told audience members about different types of blood disorders that require intervention, and how anyone 60 years or younger can be a stem cell donor. He pointed out that stem cell collection is taken from the blood, not the bone marrow, as was done in the past.

Until 2015, all patients in Arkansas were going to either University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center or to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. There are between 120-150 patients in the state each year who need allogeneic transplant, and it was necessary for them to make the trip for three months to either of those hospitals.

UAMS completed its first allogeneic transplant on May 4, 2015, and needs ongoing support to continue the program. An allogeneic transplant offers the only possibility of a cure for leukemia, MDS and aplastic anemia patients, while there are other treatment modalities for lymphoma and myeloma.

One UAMS transplant patient talked about her journey, and stressed how important it was for family to be close, as having their support aided in the healing process. She now has her life back, and thanked UAMS and its transplant team. She is planning to have a “rebirthday” celebration in August.

Additional members of Jethava’s team addressed questions from the audience regarding insurance, and what to expect financially, since this treatment is very expensive.

That is why the Village Walk for Cancer Research is committed to raising $50,000 this year, and donating it to the UAMS Stem Cell Transplant Program.

To help that goal be achieved, sign up to be a walker, become a sponsor, donate a service or item for the walk, or become a volunteer. This year’s event is set for Sept. 24 at the Balboa Pavilion, with opening ceremonies starting at 7:30 a.m., rain or shine.

Contact Melanie Pederson at 501-915-8747, or email chairman@walkforcancerrearch.org for more information.