Stem cell/bone marrow transplantation can have long-lasting or late-onset effects on your body. As a result, you need to be monitored and examined regularly for signs of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), immune system recovery, late complications and any disease recurrence.
The Long Term Follow Up (LTFU) Clinic serves to educate patients about post allogeneic (from a donor) transplant complications, late effects of transplantation, prevention and wellness.
What if I had an autologous (from myself) transplant?
If you had an autologous transplant, you should see your family doctor or primary care nurse practitioner for late effects monitoring and follow up.
In the LTFU clinic, you will be followed by a physician and/or nurse practitioner (NP) who specialize in the care of stem cell or bone marrow transplant survivors. The clinic focuses on identifying, preventing, and managing long-term and late effects associated with transplant. The issues covered during your appointment are dependent on the specific treatments you have previously had and may include heart health, cancer screening, organ function testing, bone health, and others.
Your care at the LTFU clinic complements the care provided by your primary hematologist (transplant doctor). The clinic’s team members also work in partnership with your primary care practitioner (e.g. family doctor or primary care NP) by providing guidance and developing a plan to support your future health. Visits to the LTFU clinic take place annually and do not replace your ongoing regular follow up with your transplant doctor or your primary care provider. Some patients several years out from their transplant, with minimal to no active graft vs. host disease, can be followed exclusively by the LTFU Clinic and their primary care provider.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Q. How can the LTFU Clinic benefit me?
The knowledge gained from determining your current health status post-transplant and reviewing your cancer treatment can help you understand your future health risks and how to prevent and manage them. The LTFU clinic staff can also address current physical or social concerns you may be facing as a result of your treatment.
Q. What can I expect from my LTFU Clinic appointments?
A thorough assessment and evaluation will be completed, and you will be provided with information on the prevention of late effects of transplant, recommendations and resources for dealing with long-term effects, as well as suggestions for healthy lifestyle behaviors. Copies of the treatment summary, and any recommendations made during the appointment are shared with your health care team, including your transplant doctor and primary care provider. Your primary care provider can then incorporate this information into your overall medical plan.
Q. How do I contact the LTFU Clinic?
If you have a question specifically related to issues discussed .i.e. late effects of transplant, that cannot be answered by your primary care provider or if you and your provider have determined that consultation from the LTFU Clinic is needed, please reach out. Patients who have lost contact with the Leukemia/BMT Program of BC after their transplant are also encouraged to get in touch with the LTFU Clinic.
Clinic hours: 8:00AM – 4:00PM (Monday – Friday)
Phone: (604) 875-4111 ext. 64335
Email: LTFU@bccancer.bc.ca.
For emergencies, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
