Community cord blood stem cell storage at the Community Cord Blood Stem Cell Bank, . (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNS/VNA) – The National Institute of Hematology and Blood
Transfusion has been organising a training programme from June 12 to August 4
for autologous stem cell transplantation techniques for multiple myeloma in
several hospitals nationwide.
This initiative is part of Project 1816 by the Ministry of Health aimed at
supporting lower-level hospitals in enhancing the quality of medical
examination and treatment.
Medical personnel from Nghe An General Friendship Hospital, Phu Tho Provincial
General Hospital, and Thai Nguyen Central Hospital have participated in the
course. Over eight weeks, doctors and nurses receive theoretical and
hands-on guidance on the autologous stem cell transplant procedure at the Stem
Cell Transplant Department, in the Stem Cell Bank of the Institute.
According to the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion,
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an optimal treatment that can help
many people suffering from both malignant and benign blood diseases, giving
them the opportunity to recover and resume a normal life. However, this
technique is complex and requires strict adherence to procedures to ensure the
highest professional standards.
Autologous transplantation involves the collection and storage of the
patient’s own stem cells, which are then reinfused to restore hematopoietic
tissue. Successful implementation of autologous stem cell transplantation
necessitates meticulous preparation and collaboration with experts.
Participation in training and technology transfer serves as an initial step in
preparing human resources for lower-level healthcare facilities.
Thanks to the support and technology transfer provided by the National Institute
of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Nghe An General Hospital and Da Nang
Hospital have successfully performed their first autologous stem cell
transplants.
Prior to these procedures, experts from the Institute conducted surveys and
consultations to ensure the readiness of facilities, as well as their
equipment, drugs, chemicals, and other necessary resources for the
transplantation process.
During the first transplant procedure, the Institute’s experienced staff
directly supervised and performed tasks such as stem cell separation, stem cell
transfusion, and close monitoring of the patient’s progress. This included
ordering tests, adjusting medications, and promptly addressing any
complications that arose.
The National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion holds a leading
position in the country as a specialised facility for receiving and storing
cord blood stem cells, conducting pre-transplant testing, monitoring stem cell
transplantation outcomes, and implementing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
to treat haematological diseases.
The Institute has been conducting autologous stem cell transplants since 2006.
As of June 2023, they have successfully performed over 570 hematopoietic stem
cell transplants using various complex techniques and cell sources. These
sources include different types of stem cells, such as cord blood stem cell
transplants (both with matching and non-matching blood types) and half-matching
transplants (haplotype transplants) combined with cord blood stem cells. The
application of stem cell transplantation techniques continues to expand,
enabling the treatment of a wider range of diseases and extending the age limit
for transplantation.
As a leading specialised institution, the National Institute of Hematology and
Blood Transfusion is committed to providing support and transferring advanced
technologies that are suitable for the conditions of lower-level hospitals,
including autologous stem cell transplantation techniques. This activity
contributes to improving the quality of diagnosis and treatment in various regions
throughout the country, thereby enhancing access to better healthcare services
for patients in their local communities./.
Source: VietnamPlus
