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WSU bone-marrow transplant program ranks high for 1-year survival rates

For the fifth consecutive year, the Wayne State University Physician Group’s bone-marrow transplant program had among the best survival rates in the United States after one year, according to the National Marrow Donor Program.

The WSU program, which is operated in conjunction with the Karmanos Cancer Institute, had a 56 percent survival rate after one year for its patients who had received bone-marrow transplants from an unrelated donor, according to the organization. The national average was 43 percent for the same time period between 1995 and 1999.

 “While it’s extremely gratifying to be recognized for our work, we are even more excited for our patients, who are our first priority,” said Roy Baynes, MD, PhD, medical director of the program. “We look forward to continuing our work to help our patients live longer, better lives.”

The National Marrow Donor Program matches volunteer donors with patients who need transplants. Each year, the organization provides patients with a one-year adjusted survival rate at transplant centers throughout the nation. The group arrives at the figure by analyzing both the number of patients who survived as well as risk factors associated with the patients treated.

“Wayne State University physicians treat some of the toughest cases of cancer, but are still seeing good results,” said Stephen DeSilva, president of the Wayne State University Physician Group. “This is a testament to the benefit of patient care combined with research and education.”

The Wayne State University Physician Group consists of 750 doctors who are faculty members at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, a leader in cancer, women’s and children’s health and the neurosciences.