#United States #Tampa #CAR T-cell Therapy #Tampa General #Cancer Institute

Tampa General Hospital Unveils Outpatient Cell Therapy Unit

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has made significant strides by opening a new outpatient Cellular-Immunotherapy Transplant Unit (CTU) at the TGH Cancer Institute. This initiative is designed to provide innovative cell therapy treatments for patients battling aggressive blood cancers, including leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma.

The outpatient unit allows adult patients undergoing Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) to receive daily treatment while staying at home. Patients are required to have a 24/7 caregiver who monitors their health and communicates their condition to the medical staff at TGH. To be eligible for this outpatient program, both patients and caregivers must meet specific medical criteria, reside within a 60-minute drive from the hospital, and complete an educational course about the treatment.

According to Dr. Eduardo Sotomayor, Vice President and Executive Director of the TGH Cancer Institute, this establishment is a major milestone for the hospital. It showcases a commitment to leading the way in providing advanced treatments for complex cancers, allowing patients access to essential therapies in a more relaxed and supportive environment.

Benefits of Outpatient Treatment

The CAR T-cell therapy utilizes the patient's immune T cells to combat cancer cells, while BMT is a standard approach for patients facing a high risk of relapse after traditional treatment methods. Dr. Ivan Borrello, a prominent expert in myeloma and the director of the CTU, emphasizes that treating patients in an outpatient setting can enhance their overall well-being. Studies show that patients often recover faster, experience less anxiety and depression, and generally enjoy better nutrition at home.

Furthermore, research published in PLOS highlights the advantages the outpatient model has for both patients and healthcare providers, including higher safety and effectiveness ratings. The review detailed how outpatient procedures often result in lower frequencies of complications and allow patients to continue their everyday lives.

The CTU team conducts thorough evaluations to ensure that outpatient therapy is the most suitable option for each patient. Jennifer Hanle, the lead nurse practitioner at CTU, stated that caregivers play a crucial role in the patient's recovery and treatment.

Patients typically stay in the hospital for around three weeks when receiving cell therapy. In the new outpatient facility, they visit the clinic daily for the same treatment and care they would have received during hospitalization. The CTU offers ample comfort to patients, featuring beds and recliners designed for their Healing experience.

Commitment to Patient Care

The TGH Cancer Institute has significantly improved its offerings in cell therapies and immunotherapy over the years. In 2022, it opened a state-of-the-art BMT and Cell Therapies unit, further enhancing its capabilities to treat aggressive blood cancers. In the following year, the CAR T treatment program commenced, focusing on aggressive forms of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Dr. Abraham Schwarzberg, Chief of Oncology at Tampa General, noted that the integration of outpatient procedures for cell therapy denotes a significant advancement aimed at delivering superior care. Recognized as one of Florida's leading cancer centers, TGH ranks amongst the top 50 cancer centers nationwide according to U.S. News & World Report 2024-2025.

In conclusion, the TGH Cancer Institute encapsulates a coordinated and innovative approach to patient care, demonstrating a commitment to groundbreaking therapies and advanced diagnostic tools. This new outpatient unit is a testament to Tampa General Hospital's aim to improve the quality of care offered to patients while allowing them to maintain normalcy in their lives.

For more insights and information about the TGH Cancer Institute, visit www.tgh.org/cancer.