Why We Do What We Do

Approximately 25,000 treatments involving hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) or cellular therapy for cancer and other life-threatening disorders are reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research CIBMTR annually; the number increases by about 5% per year. HCT and cellular therapy are rapidly evolving treatments and clinical trials in this space face unique challenges, including the relatively small number of treatments performed at any single center, diverse indications for HCT and cellular therapy, the complexities of the interventions, and the potential for multiple post-treatment complications.

The BMT CTN plays a critical role in performing studies to improve patient outcomes and advance the science of HCT and cellular therapy. The Network has answered important questions in both common and rare diseases.

Our research portfolio includes studies in:

  • Leukemia
  • Myelodysplasia
  • Lymphoma
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Rare transplant indications including aplastic anemia, sickle cell disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated cancer, and hemophagocytic syndromes, primary immune deficiencies, and bone marrow failure syndromes.

These studies address critical issues including, but not limited to:

  • Optimal cell sources and donors
  • Preparative regimen intensity
  • Regimen-related toxicity
  • Engraftment
  • Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
  • Infection
  • Disease control
  • Quality of life