Cross Cancer Institute Bone Marrow Transplant Program

The Cause

Through the support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the Cross Cancer Institute is undertaking a project to create a purpose-built space for cutting edge Stem Cell, or Bone Marrow Transplant Therapy (referred to most often on site as BMT). This space will incorporate new and highly sophisticated technology and equipment, as well as provide a foundational treatment program to conduct world-class research and advancements in cancer care. For many patients diagnosed with certain malignant hematological blood cancers such as Leukemia or Multiple Myeloma, stem cell transplantation (SCT) can be an essential and life prolonging, if not curative, therapy.

Currently, the vast majority of patients from the Northern Alberta/Edmonton Community Area are required to travel to Calgary to receive this treatment, creating a bottleneck of resources, space, and prolonging the wait times of treatments for thousands of Albertan cancer patients.

The treatment is complex and requires specialized trained Hematologists, Oncologists, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses and Laboratory staff. It also requires sophisticated and cutting edge equipment to collect the cells, and a purpose-built space for the procedure.

Who Will it Benefit?

This project will benefit each of the 53 Albertans every day who are diagnosed with cancer, and many more. By alleviating the pressure on the Calgary BMT Centre, we are creating space for more patients to receive care, and to keep moving forward on their treatment path. Further, by responding to both the needs of Albertans and to the innovations of research in cancer care and treatment, we are maintaining our gold standard of cancer care. Alberta is a true innovator in cancer research, treatment, and care.

A robust BMT program at the CCI is critical in upholding this standard and most importantly, to improve the cure-rates for many Albertans facing cancer.