Established in 1985, the Stem Cell Unit at The London Clinic enables treatment and care for people with serious blood disorders and blood cancers, through both stem cell collection and transplantation. Treatments offered at the unit include the latest developments in chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as stem cell therapy.
Stem cells are known as the building blocks of the human body. With their unique ability to transform into various cell types and regenerate and repair tissues, they have emerged as a beacon of hope for patients living with conditions ranging from blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, to blood disorders such as aplastic anaemia, sickle cell disease and thalassaemia.
Stem cell therapy holds immense potential across diverse medical fields. The London Clinic's unit boasts a multidisciplinary team of experts, including renowned stem cell researchers, geneticists and clinicians. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive the most comprehensive and tailored treatment plans, aligning with The London Clinic's commitment to delivering personalised world-class private healthcare.
The London Clinic offers two main types of stem cell transplant:
Allogeneic transplant Stem cells are collected from a donor with whom the patient has been matched through UK and international blood registries. These cells can be harvested from the patient’s relative, or unrelated healthy volunteer donors.
Autologous transplant Stem cells are collected from the patient’s own body for transplantation in the future. This means that cells can be harvested while they are still healthy, such as before chemotherapy.
The London Clinic's Stem Cell Unit is housed within the Duchess of Devonshire Wing, a purpose-built oncology hospital in Marylebone, equipped with the latest technological advancements – from state-of-the-art laboratories to advanced imaging suites.
Every aspect of the unit is designed to facilitate ground-breaking research and seamless patient care:
- There are 12 first-class beds in the unit for the treatment of people with serious blood disorders and blood cancers.
- The unit was carefully designed with immunocompromised patient safety in mind. It includes positive pressure ventilation system, which maintains a protected environment by filtering all incoming air.
- The unit is supported by a dedicated stem cell laboratory that has facilities for flow cytometry and cryopreservation, including a liquid nitrogen facility for the long-term storage of patients' stem cells.
- The London Clinic is the only independent private hospital that offers CAR T-cell therapy. This is suited to patients who have a blood cancer called large B-cell lymphoma or acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, who have had a failed initial treatment or have previously undergone failed stem cell treatments.
- As a mark of recognition of the unit’s pioneering impact, The London Clinic is the UK’s first independent, non-profit hospital to have been awarded accreditation from JACIE (Joint Accreditation Committee-ISCT-Europe), Europe’s only official accreditation body in the field of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy.
What sets The London Clinic's Stem Cell Unit apart is not just its infrastructure, but the wealth of expertise that defines its operations. The unit is home to some of the UK’s top haematologists, whose work has not only contributed to the global body of knowledge, but has also translated into tangible benefits for patients.
The London Clinic has fostered collaborations with leading research institutions, both national and international. This synergy between academia and clinical practice ensures that the Stem Cell Unit remains at the forefront of developments in the field. Patients can trust that their journey at The London Clinic is guided by a clinical team committed to pushing the boundaries of medical science for their well-being.
The London Clinic collects stem cells from about 1,000 healthy donors a year who have each signed up to blood registries, including the Anthony Nolan charity, DKMS and the British Bone Marrow Registry (BBMR).
This means that The London Clinic is the largest single-site accredited stem cell collection centre in Europe.
The London Clinic recognises that every patient is unique, as are their medical needs. In the world of stem cell therapy, personalisation is not a luxury, but a necessity. The Stem Cell Unit at The London Clinic takes pride in crafting individualised treatment plans, considering each patient's medical history, genetic make-up and lifestyle factors.
Patients undergoing stem cell therapy at The London Clinic experience a level of care that extends beyond the conventional. From the initial consultation to the post-treatment follow-ups, the focus is on providing comprehensive support. The patient-centric approach ensures that individuals feel like more than just recipients of medical care, as they become an active participant in their journey to recovery.
To learn more about The London Clinic, visit thelondonclinic.co.uk
or contact:
T: +44 (0) 20 4527 8215
E: appointments@thelondonclinic.co.uk
For international patients, contact:
E: internationaloffice@thelondonclinic.co.uk
