Stem Cell and Cellular Therapy Insights for Patients With Blood Cancer

Dr. Christina Cho, a hematologist/oncologist specializing in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center’s John Theurer Cancer Center, sat down for an interview with CURE.

In the interview, she highlighted the Adult Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program for its high patient volume, innovative research and compassionate, multidisciplinary team.

Cho also serves as an attending physician on the Adult Stem Cell transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program and is the director of the Adult Gene Therapy Program as well as the director of the Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program.

Transcript

Can you provide an overview of the bone marrow transplant program at JTCC and what sets it apart from other transplant centers?

This is very near and dear to my heart, and I'll tell you why. The Adult Stem Cell Transplant and Cell Therapy Program at John Theurer Cancer Center is the largest in New Jersey. We take care of a large number of patients receiving transplants, either from donors or from their own cells, as well as patients receiving other cell-based treatments for a wide variety of diseases.

We run numerous research trials so that we can provide our patients with cutting-edge therapies. We have the high volume, we have the research, but what I think actually makes JTCC special in terms of this program is the people.

We have a large, multidisciplinary team, and I am inspired every day by the commitment and compassion of every single person on that team. Every person on our team wants to work here. They want to work and do everything they can to provide safe, high-quality care for our patients, but also to really take care of our patients as people.

That part of the environment is something that you notice when you walk through the doors, and I think that's what makes it special.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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