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USA: Hospitals and centres

In the USA, leukaemia is treated both at large cancer centres and at community hospitals; complex treatment is usually given at specialised centres.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, glass buildings.
Figure 1.The campus — USA: Hospitals and centres

01Short answer

The NCI recognises several dozen “NCI-Designated Cancer Centers” across the country, which meet high standards in research and care; some hold “Comprehensive” status. Intensive treatment for acute leukaemia and transplants usually take place at such centres or at transplant centres accredited by FACT. Some parts of care (for example monitoring CLL or CML) can also be done by a community oncologist closer to home.

02Simple explanation

NCI centres: research and care.

FACT: transplant accreditation.

Community clinic: monitoring close to home.

03Scientific explanation

Status: the NCI list shows where centres are, by state.

Quality: FACT accredits cellular therapy and transplant programmes.

04What happens in the body?

Large centres

For acute leukaemia, transplants, CAR-T and clinical trials.

Status

“NCI-Designated” and “Comprehensive” status show a centre’s research level.

On a dark navy background, a star emblem.
Figure 2.Status — USA: Hospitals and centres

Closer to home

Some treatment and monitoring can be done by a community oncologist in contact with the centre.

On a dark navy background, a warmly lit building.
Figure 3.Community clinic — USA: Hospitals and centres

05Choosing a centre

Four steps.

NCI list — Find the nearest centre.1NCI listFind the nearest centre.
Network — Check your insurance.2NetworkCheck your insurance.
Experience — Ask how many leukaemia cases they treat.3ExperienceAsk how many leukaemia cases they treat.
Travel — Plan travel and lodging.4TravelPlan travel and lodging.
The right centreThe level matches the disease.
DirectionTravel and costs are clear.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Large centresFor acute leukaemia, transplants, CAR-T and clinical trials.
Status“NCI-Designated” and “Comprehensive” status show a centre’s research level.
Closer to homeSome treatment and monitoring can be done by a community oncologist in contact with the centre.

07Key terms

NCI-Designated
A centre recognised by NCI.
Comprehensive
The broadest centre status.
FACT
Transplant accreditation.
Community oncology
Local oncology care.

08Key points

  • Look at the NCI list.
  • Check the network.
  • Ask about experience.
  • Make a travel plan.
  • Keep in touch with your local doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Must I go to a large centre?

For acute leukaemia and transplants it is often recommended; discuss it with your doctor.

I live far away: what can I do?

Some centres offer lodging or share part of care with a local doctor.

How can I learn about a centre’s experience?

Ask directly; transplant outcomes are also published through CIBMTR.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Must I go to a large centre?

  2. I live far away: what can I do?

  3. How can I learn about a centre’s experience?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI-Designated Cancer Centers
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Finding Health Care Services
  3. American Cancer Society. Where to Find Cancer Care
  4. FACT (Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy). Official website
  5. The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. Haemato-oncology Unit
  6. Great Ormond Street Hospital, International and Private Care. Bone Marrow Transplant
  7. Catholic Hematology Hospital, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. Introduction
  8. Asan Medical Center. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
  9. Tata Memorial Centre, ACTREC. Department of Medical Oncology
  10. Christian Medical College, Vellore. Department of Haematology: bone marrow transplantation
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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