There are no real myeloma centers or specialist in Virginia that I know of.
In North Carolina, Dr. Gasperetta at Duke is very respected and involved with a lot of trials and is on the cutting edge. UNC Chapel Hill is very good and their specialist responds here at the Myeloma Beacon regularly.
Also ... brand new ... is the transplant center and the new staff at the Levine Cancer Center in Charlotte. Dr. Usmani has started the program. He came from Little Rock and seems just brilliant and very involved.
All three are very good. It is so cool to know if I have another transplant it can be done in Charlotte, although my first one at Duke was no problem and I am happy with my care to this point!
Forums
Re: Multiple myeloma centers of excellence
Hello from gray (but warming up) Seattle,
The following link is to US transplant centers that perform allogeneic stem cell transplants. Even though allo transplantation is not the standard transplant option for multiple myeloma I am posting this link because all allotransplant centers perform autotransplants as well. In general at these centers two out of three transplants are autologous transplants and the majority of autologous stem cell transplants are for multiple myeloma. Centers that perform both autologous and allogeneic transplant are going to be larger and busier. With a larger center that does more transplants there is generally going to be more experience and expertise.
http://bethematch.org/For-Patients-and-Families/Getting-a-transplant/Choosing-a-transplant-center/U-S--transplant-centers/
There are two centers that perform auto and allotransplants in Virginia. I am confident there are myeloma specialists at both of these locations:
INOVA Fairfax Hospital
NMDP Transplant Center
8503 Arlington Boulevard
Suite 200
Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 970-3178
VA Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Ctr.
NMDP Transplant Center
Bone Marrow Transplant Program
1300 East Marshall Street, North Hospital
P.O. Box 980157, 10th Floor, VCUMC Station
Richmond, VA 23298
(804) 828-3554
(800) 762-5151
The following link is to US transplant centers that perform allogeneic stem cell transplants. Even though allo transplantation is not the standard transplant option for multiple myeloma I am posting this link because all allotransplant centers perform autotransplants as well. In general at these centers two out of three transplants are autologous transplants and the majority of autologous stem cell transplants are for multiple myeloma. Centers that perform both autologous and allogeneic transplant are going to be larger and busier. With a larger center that does more transplants there is generally going to be more experience and expertise.
http://bethematch.org/For-Patients-and-Families/Getting-a-transplant/Choosing-a-transplant-center/U-S--transplant-centers/
There are two centers that perform auto and allotransplants in Virginia. I am confident there are myeloma specialists at both of these locations:
INOVA Fairfax Hospital
NMDP Transplant Center
8503 Arlington Boulevard
Suite 200
Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 970-3178
VA Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Ctr.
NMDP Transplant Center
Bone Marrow Transplant Program
1300 East Marshall Street, North Hospital
P.O. Box 980157, 10th Floor, VCUMC Station
Richmond, VA 23298
(804) 828-3554
(800) 762-5151
-
Dr. Edward Libby - Name: Edward Libby, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Multiple myeloma centers of excellence
Dr. Libby,
Thank your for your very helpful response. I am newly diagnosed and need to begin planning for my treatment. Do you recommend going to a myeloma specialist at one of the transplant centers you mentioned?
Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland, and Little Rock [UAMS] have been at the top of my list, but I'm getting resistance from the some of the local medical people. It's been recommended that I have treatment locally. I live in a small city in Virginia. We have a cancer center, but they do not do stem cell transplants.
Thank you.
Thank your for your very helpful response. I am newly diagnosed and need to begin planning for my treatment. Do you recommend going to a myeloma specialist at one of the transplant centers you mentioned?
Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland, and Little Rock [UAMS] have been at the top of my list, but I'm getting resistance from the some of the local medical people. It's been recommended that I have treatment locally. I live in a small city in Virginia. We have a cancer center, but they do not do stem cell transplants.
Thank you.
Re: Multiple myeloma centers of excellence
I suggest that you go to one of the places that has specialists in myeloma and have that oncologist coordinate your treatment with your local oncologist. If your local oncologist isn't open to that type of arrangement, then look for one who does.
From what I understand both of the hospitals that were mentioned in Virginia are good and the 2(3) in NC are also good. There is also Emory in Atlanta, Penn in Philadelphia and many others up and down the East Coast. But, since there are several not too far from you it would seem that staying closer to home would be good.
From what I understand both of the hospitals that were mentioned in Virginia are good and the 2(3) in NC are also good. There is also Emory in Atlanta, Penn in Philadelphia and many others up and down the East Coast. But, since there are several not too far from you it would seem that staying closer to home would be good.
-
NStewart - Name: Nancy Stewart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
- Age at diagnosis: 60
Re: Multiple myeloma centers of excellence
As I mentioned previously, EJ has his SCT done at INOVA Fairfax. The transplant team is led by Dr. Gregory Orloff. They were wonderful to us!
Good luck,
Lyn
Good luck,
Lyn
-
Christa's Mom - Name: Christa's Mom
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: September, 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 53
Re: Multiple myeloma centers of excellence
Hello again Robert,
I think that whenever possible, it is a good idea to get a second opinion when one is diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer. Autologous stem cell transplantation is a standard treatment for multiple myeloma all over the world, so I strongly recommend that you be seen at a transplant center and at least hear what they have to say. In general stem cells should be collected early in your treatment (after 3-6 months of chemotherapy) so it is in your best interests to be seen early in your treatment to begin the planning process for stem cell collection. Collecting your stem cells is "insurance" that you at least have the option of a transplant.
I think that whenever possible, it is a good idea to get a second opinion when one is diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer. Autologous stem cell transplantation is a standard treatment for multiple myeloma all over the world, so I strongly recommend that you be seen at a transplant center and at least hear what they have to say. In general stem cells should be collected early in your treatment (after 3-6 months of chemotherapy) so it is in your best interests to be seen early in your treatment to begin the planning process for stem cell collection. Collecting your stem cells is "insurance" that you at least have the option of a transplant.
-
Dr. Edward Libby - Name: Edward Libby, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Multiple myeloma centers of excellence
My husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma almost 3 years ago.
His doctor is now recommending a stem cell transplant. His cells were collected at Scripps Lajolla.
We are going to have a consultation with Dr. Berenson. We would also like an opinion from a transplant specialist. We are from Las Vegas and are willing to travel.
Where would be the best transplant center for multiple myeloma and who would be the specialist to get our consultation with?
Any help would be appreciated.
His doctor is now recommending a stem cell transplant. His cells were collected at Scripps Lajolla.
We are going to have a consultation with Dr. Berenson. We would also like an opinion from a transplant specialist. We are from Las Vegas and are willing to travel.
Where would be the best transplant center for multiple myeloma and who would be the specialist to get our consultation with?
Any help would be appreciated.
-
Marilyn Petrie
Re: Multiple myeloma centers of excellence
Dear Marilynn,
Mayo Clinic Scottsdale is in your neck of the woods. I think they would provide a very fair and objective view regarding transplant. If travel is not of concern, consider MD Anderson (Houston), Dana Farber (Boston), Sloan Kettering (New York City) and Arkansas (Little Rock).
Thanks!
Pete
Mayo Clinic Scottsdale is in your neck of the woods. I think they would provide a very fair and objective view regarding transplant. If travel is not of concern, consider MD Anderson (Houston), Dana Farber (Boston), Sloan Kettering (New York City) and Arkansas (Little Rock).
Thanks!
Pete
-
Dr. Peter Voorhees - Name: Peter Voorhees, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Multiple myeloma centers of excellence
My mother was diagnosed Friday May 2nd with multiple myeloma. On Monday May 5th she underwent hip surgery to remove a tumor ("size of an ice cream scoop") and insert two plates into her left hip (performed by an orthopedic oncologist). She is currently in rehab. Today she got the rest of the test results from the initial general oncologist, confirming multiple myeloma (stage one) with primary amyloidosis. She has a follow up appointment with him in 2 weeks (and at this point I'm not sure when she'll be released from rehab and able to go home).
So, my question. She's in Post Falls, ID (just across the border from Spokane, WA). I'm not sure there is anyone in that immediate area that specializes in multiple myeloma.
I live in Nashville where we have the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center.
Am I being realistic in wanting my parents to move to this area, where she'll have access to Vanderbilt Medical Center and the Cancer Center? Mom is 75, dad is 81 (with his own medical issues), and at this point I think they're coming close to a time where assisted living is on the horizon. "Family" consists of me (in Nashville) and my sister (in Denver).
So, my question. She's in Post Falls, ID (just across the border from Spokane, WA). I'm not sure there is anyone in that immediate area that specializes in multiple myeloma.
I live in Nashville where we have the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center.
Am I being realistic in wanting my parents to move to this area, where she'll have access to Vanderbilt Medical Center and the Cancer Center? Mom is 75, dad is 81 (with his own medical issues), and at this point I think they're coming close to a time where assisted living is on the horizon. "Family" consists of me (in Nashville) and my sister (in Denver).
-
SusanS - Name: Susan Schaefer
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Mother
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 75
Re: Multiple myeloma centers of excellence
I live in Washington, DC and may be a candidate for a stem cell transplant. I'm considering either Johns Hopkins (Baltimore) or INOVA - Fairfax (Virginia). INOVA is a closer to home, though I'm impressed with Hopkins.
How important is it to be closer to home (e.g., are the hospital stays long?). Does anyone know either transplant center – how's the environment and support (nurses, rehabilitation staff, etc).
Also, this move comes at what may be the end of my "smoldering" period. I'm in the process of getting a second opinion.
How important is it to be closer to home (e.g., are the hospital stays long?). Does anyone know either transplant center – how's the environment and support (nurses, rehabilitation staff, etc).
Also, this move comes at what may be the end of my "smoldering" period. I'm in the process of getting a second opinion.
-
weagle - Name: William Eagle
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 57
20 posts
• Page 2 of 2 • 1, 2