Leading-edge cancer care
UT Health San Antonio’s wide range of clinical studies give people living in San Antonio access to cancer advances that aren’t widely available in our region. We are home to the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center in South Texas, Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center. With this recognition, you can trust you’ll get precise, reliable, compassionate care at every visit. Because we value your time, we coordinate your care so you receive the treatments you need when and where it’s convenient.
Types of cellular therapy we offer
We offer:
- Bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs): medication that “reprograms” a person’s T-cells (white blood cells) to identify and destroy cancer cells
- CAR T-cell therapy: similar to BiTEs, except for the treatment is created using the person’s own immune system instead of medication
- Stem cell transplant, or bone marrow transplant: infusing healthy cells into the body to help boost the body’s immune system
Preparing for your first visit with us
Here’s how to prepare for your first cell therapy visit:
- Plan to spend 90 to 120 minutes with the specialist during your first visit.
- Please bring a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements you take, including dosage for each.
- Eat breakfast or lunch before your visit.
You may need to have laboratory tests during your visit. A full-service lab is available within our hospital. Your care team will give you any special instructions to prepare.
What to expect
You’ll have cell therapy in a specially-designed, sterile hospital room that we’ve created specifically for immunocompromised patients undergoing this type of treatment.
If you are donating stem cells, this will be done as an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day as your procedure.
If you are receiving stem cells, this will be done in an inpatient procedure. You’ll spend several weeks in the hospital following the procedure. We’ve designed our hospital entirely around the healing and comfort of our patients and their caregivers. From spacious, comfortable rooms and modern conveniences available onsite to smart and safe room features that protect our patients from disease – this hospital was built with the patient and their loved ones in mind.
Get details about planning your care with us, including what to expect during your hospital stay.
Ongoing care and support
We offer comprehensive services and support to make you more comfortable before, during and after your treatment. We encourage you and your loved ones to ask your care team for anything you may need.
Access to clinical trials
As the only academic medical center hospital in the region, our team includes leading cancer experts who are researching treatment options not available at most other centers in the area. We participate in national and local clinical trials that expand treatment options and potentially lifesaving new therapies. Ask your doctor how we bring the world’s leading clinical trials to South Texans. Find out more about cancer clinical trials and research.
Get started on your care journey
Contact our cellular therapy team for more information or to make an appointment. Find a cancer specialist at UT Health San Antonio.