Windsor Regional Hospital’s new stem cell transplant program to treat 30 patients a year

Windsor Regional Hospital gets an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant program. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell has details.

Windsor Regional Hospital is launching a new service for cancer patients that was previously unavailable locally.

It’s called the Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) program. The initial roll out will start with autologous stem cell transplants specifically for patients with multiple myeloma.

The first patient collection is scheduled for July 8, 2025. The hospital has a goal of completing 30 patients per year.

Autologous, or auto stem cell transplants, are when a patient’s own stem cells are collected and then reinfused back into their body following intensive chemotherapy or radiation.

Hospital officials say this is a major step forward in offering comprehensive transplant services in Windsor-Essex. Before this, patients had to travel significant distances to access specialized centres outside the region, resulting in logistical challenges, increased stress for patients and families and potential disruptions to continuity of care.

“Stem cell transplantation is a complex and intensive process for both the patient receiving treatment and the health care team providing the care. We have been providing high-level autologous and allogeneic transplant care here for many years, but this is another major step forward in providing comprehensive care close to home,” says Windsor Regional Cancer Centre Chief of Oncology Dr. Sindu Kanjeekal.

Kanjeekal says now that they have developed the framework, equipment and expertise to do full autologous stem cell transplantation in Windsor, it provides the opportunity to build and deliver other complex cellular therapies and immunotherapies in the community.

“Windsor Regional Hospital is proud to expand its clinical footprint with this new program that will benefit patients now and into the future,” said Karen Riddell, WRH acting president and CEO and Chief Nursing Executive. “Thank you to Ontario Health, the provincial government and the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation for supporting us with funding to make this innovative program a reality.”

Houida Kassem, executive director of the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation says the new program is a significant milestone for the community, bringing lifesaving care closer to home and allowing families to stay together during treatment.

“This achievement reflects the compassion and generosity that define our region. It would not have been possible without the generous support of our community,” said Houida Kassem, Executive Director, Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation.

WRH has recognized the need to expand its services to include stem cell transplant services, a vital component in the treatment of hematologic malignancies.