UAB Blood and Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy Program

A blood or marrow transplant (BMT) may be used to treat some types of cancers or other diseases. The transplant consists of the administration of high doses of chemotherapy and or radiation that kill diseased cells as well as normal growing cells that live in the bone marrow.  The normal growing cells are referred to as stem cells. Stem cells have the unique ability to become red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets; these cells are found in our blood stream. On the day of the patient’s transplant, healthy stem cells are given to the patient. These stem cells will begin to grown in the patient’s marrow over the next few weeks producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Transplant may be used to treat some types of leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, POEMS syndrome, myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative disorders, aplastic anemia, sickle cell, and more.  

A Message From Our Leaders

Ravi Bhatia, MD
Director, Bone Marrow Transplantation & Cell Therapy Program 
Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology

I came to UAB in January 2015, and am the Director of the Blood & Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program. Our program is growing to become one of the leading transplant centers in the south. We provide our patients and families with expert medical care and honest, compassionate recommendations to assure that they have the best possible outcome. We offer the most advanced approaches in treating our patients, including the most updated treatment methods and cutting edge clinical trials. We are planning to expand our program in the near future by increasing and renovating our space, adding additional beds, additional staff, and offering additional services for patients.
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Wendy Madden
Nurse Manager, Bone Marrow Transplantation & Cell Therapy Program

My name is Wendy Madden and I am the nurse manager. We specialize in the care of bone marrow transplant patients and their families.  We are a patient and family-centered care center that practices the synergy framework and philosophy.  This means we will become a team with you and those you consider family to provide the best care possible. Our unit provides a warm and compassionate family atmosphere for you to receive your treatment and to heal. We provide a personalized experience during your stay that is customized to meet your needs as much as possible. Our staff is made up of some of the most compassionate intensive care nurses and highly skilled oncologists in the Southeast. We are dedicated to professional growth and are highly involved in process, quality, and safety improvements. Read More.

Patient Spotlight

On Friday June 15th several of our honored BMT staff were invited to celebrate life with a patient who is close to our hearts. Ed Reifenberg and his wife, Joann, hosted a celebration in remembrance of Ed’s bone marrow transplant in 1998.  Ed’s wife Joann was his caregiver for his transplant.  Ed along with friends and family celebrated the last 20 years and the second chance at life his transplant continues to give him.  The party was filled with an estimated 200 friends and family...  Read More.