A Howell, New Jersey, medical practitioner, Kenneth D. Nahum, DO, provides knowledgeable hematology and oncology care for patients living with cancer and blood disorders. Areas in which Dr. Kenneth D. Nahum has extensive experience include autologous stem cell transplantation, which involves the replacement of the blood stem cells, which are needed to generate new blood cells. Typically undertaken in tandem with high-dose chemotherapy associated with lymphoma, the process starts before chemotherapy with the collection and storage of one’s own blood stem cells. This requires “mobilization,” or the transfer of stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream, and is accomplished via daily injections of G-CSF or a similar naturally occurring growth factor. This stimulates the bone marrow to produce more stem cells than usual and encourages their movement into the bloodstream. With growth factor injections lasting 7-10 days, side effects are usually minimal and include bone and muscle aches and pains. Once a sufficient number of stem cells have accumulated in the bloodstream, a cell separation device is employed to separate stem cells from blood extracted from one arm before returning the blood to the other arm. This stem cell material is then stored until after chemotherapy when it can be returned to the bloodstream and used to replenish the body’s stores.
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AuthorA practicing partner of Regional Cancer Care Associates, Dr. Kenneth D. Nahum, DO, has over 30 years of experience treating cancer patients in New Jersey and surrounding areas. Archives
March 2019
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