Bone Marrow Transplant Program Opens at Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center expert clinicians have begun bone marrow transplant procedures at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Bone marrow transplant has been used successfully for years to treat conditions affecting blood cells, including leukemias, lymphomas, certain solid tumor cancers, aplastic anemia, and immune deficiency disorders, among other diseases.

Earlier this year, John Theurer Cancer Center, part of the NCI-designated Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, expanded to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC) at Hackensack University Medical Center is a premier cancer center in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report. The cancer center is best known for having a nationally recognized blood cancers treatment program including multiple myeloma, lymphoma and leukemia, as well as having one of the largest, nationwide bone marrow transplant (BMT) programs.

Overall, the cancer center at Hackensack University Medical Center has provided lifesaving care for more than 30 years. With more than 7500 transplants performed, it is one of the largest in the country. “We are thrilled to expand our Adult Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation Program at HOPE Tower,” says Michele Donato, M.D., director of the blood and marrow transplantation program at John Theurer Cancer Center. “We are providing them with the most compassionate, multidisciplinary care in Monmouth and Ocean counties and beyond at the most important time in their lives.”

“I was so relieved to find out that I could have my bone marrow transplant at Jersey Shore, close to home,” says Lakewood resident, Ralph. “The thought of going back and forth to Hackensack was giving me more anxiety. Now I can just focus on the transplant.”

The site offers comprehensive medical and surgical oncology/hematology consultative services by national experts for all types and stages of cancer and serious blood disorders.

“With the launch of this program at Jersey Shore, this is a milestone for cancer care for the communities we serve,” said Vito Buccellato, MPA, LNHA, president and chief hospital executive, Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

The facility provides full infusion services, genomics analysis, and access to cutting-edge clinical trials. All care is provided in accordance with John Theurer quality standards and protocols. Internationally renowned cancer experts from the JTCC will provide subspecialized cancer care in blood cancers closer to home.

“Given the rapid acceleration in science and progress in cancer, there could not be a better time to bring the benefit of innovation closer to patients' homes.  Having our experts rotate at JSUMC in the Hope Tower, will bring subspecialized cancer care, access to clinical trials or cell therapies, when needed across our communities in Southern New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware,” said Andre Goy, M.D., HMH physician in chief in Oncology and chairman of John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC). “Together, partnering locally with our colleagues’ oncologists, we will expand access to tertiary and quaternary care and improve our patients’ outcomes across the state of New Jersey.”

“Jersey Shore’s ORs are an ideal environment for these procedures with our abundance of expert surgical clinicians and nurses, this is a great partnership with the JTCC’s specialized physicians,” said Thomas L. Bauer II, M.D., chair of Surgery and chief of Thoracic Surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Guided by a patient-centered approach towards care, and informed by the latest medical breakthroughs, Jersey Shore University Medical Center includes advanced imaging services, specialty physician offices and a cancer center, among other features. The cancer center includes a range of comprehensive treatment options, including surgical specialties, medical oncology, and the most advanced radiation therapy and minimally invasive interventional therapies.

“Providing leading-edge treatment services, like the new BMT program, show that we are fulfilling our promise to advance all aspects of healthcare for our community,” Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, Southern Market, Hackensack Meridian Health.

For more information or to make an appointment at the Cancer Care Center in HOPE Tower, 19 Davis Ave., Neptune City, NJ, visit