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Thrive!

Thrive!

By: BMT InfoNet
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Thrive! — A BMT InfoNet Podcast explores the evolving landscape of stem cell transplant, CAR T-cell therapy, and GVHD (graft-versus-host disease) survivorship. Each week, we highlight key headlines, emerging research, and deeper discussions on topics shaping recovery and long-term care. Drawing on insights from leading clinicians and the lived experiences of survivors and caregivers, Thrive! delivers clear, credible, and compassionate information to help patients, families, and healthcare professionals feel connected, informed, and empowered throughout survivorship.


Each episode features a quick roundup of current news from the transplant, CAR T-cell, and GVHD space, followed by a spotlight on one of BMT InfoNet’s many programs that support patients, survivors, and caregivers. The show closes with a “Deep Dive” — an in-depth look at a key topic drawn from BMT InfoNet’s extensive library of expert-led presentations and educational resources.


New episodes premiere each Tuesday.


To learn more and explore additional resources, visit bmtinfonet.org. Stay connected by subscribing to our weekly emails, following BMT InfoNet on social media, and exploring our YouTube channel for trusted information and survivor stories.

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Episodes
  • Your Health After Allogeneic Transplant

    Your Health After Allogeneic Transplant
    Feb 26 2026
    In this episode of Thrive!, we take a closer look at life after an allogeneic stem cell transplant — a transplant that uses donor cells — and the long-term health considerations that can emerge months or even years after treatment. Guided by Dr. John McCarty, Medical Director of the Cellular Immunotherapy and Transplant Program at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center, this Deep Dive explores what “late effects” really means, why long-term follow-up care can extend for years, and how survivors can better understand the role of monitoring, prevention, and communication in protecting long-term health. From immune system recovery and bone health to heart, lung, cognitive, and quality-of-life changes, this episode offers a grounded look at survivorship beyond the hospital stay. In this week’s news update, we examine recent research reviewed in The Washington Post exploring whether dietary supplements help prevent cancer — and what large clinical trials have actually shown. We also highlight BMT InfoNet’s GVHD Support Groups for transplant survivors, a resource designed to offer connection and guidance for those living with graft-versus-host disease. — SHOW NOTES News Article What Science Says About Cancer and Supplements https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2026/02/02/can-supplements-reduce-cancer-risk/ BMT InfoNet Resource GVHD Support Groups for Survivors https://bmtinfonet.org/support-group-list Watch Dr. John McCarty’s full presentation Limiting Late Effects Following a Transplant Using Donor Cells (Allogeneic) https://bmtinfonet.org/archived-video/limiting-late-effects-following-transplant-using-donor-cells-allogeneic Join the BMT InfoNet Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/bonemarrowstemcelltransplantclub Email us thrive@bmtinfonet.org — CHAPTER MARKERS 00:00 Welcome! 00:54 Updates - Small Movements, Meaningful Impact 02:54 A Quick Note 04:02 Something That May Help - GVHD Adult Support Groups 05:27 Deep Dive - Cold Open 06:43 Deep Dive - Your Health After An Allogeneic Transplant 08:11 Deep Dive - What Is An Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant? 10:12 Deep Dive - The Importance of Long Term Follow-Up 11:55 Deep Dive - How To Reduce Long Term Risks 14:40 Deep Dive - Quality of Life 17:07 Deep Dive - What To Know About New Cancers After Transplant 18:48 Deep Dive - Living Well After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant 22:03 Deep Dive - Takeaways 23:19 One Last Thought — Links were active at the time of publication. Stay Connected with BMT InfoNet BMT InfoNet provides trusted information and compassionate support for anyone affected by stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy. www.bmtinfonet.org Contact the Thrive! Team Questions, feedback, or topic ideas: thrive@bmtinfonet.org Get Involved Support BMT InfoNet’s mission and stay informed. Donate: bmtinfonet.org/form/donationEmail Updates: bmtinfonet.org/email-signupPay It Forward: bmtinfonet.org/transplant-article/pay-it-forward Explore Resources Education, connection, and practical support.Events & Workshops: bmtinfonet.org/eventsSupport Groups: bmtinfonet.org/support-groupsResource Directory: bmtinfonet.org/resource-directoryPatient Assistance Fund: bmtinfonet.org/patient-assistance-fund Follow BMT InfoNet Facebook: facebook.com/BMTInfoNet Instagram: instagram.com/bmtinfonet LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bmtinfonet X (Twitter): twitter.com/bmtinfonet Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/bmtinfonet.bsky.social YouTube: youtube.com/BMTInfoNet Produced by La Strada Productions for BMT InfoNet www.lastrada.productions
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    25 mins
  • Transplant and CAR T In Older Adults

    Transplant and CAR T In Older Adults
    Feb 11 2026
    Small changes can matter more than we think — especially during recovery. In this episode of Thrive!, we take a closer look at how stem cell transplant and CAR T-cell therapy are evaluated in older adults, and how care teams think about age, risk, and readiness when these treatments are being considered. Drawing from the clinical experience and symposium presentation of Dr. Amelia Langston of Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute, we explore why age alone is rarely the deciding factor, and how factors like overall health, mobility, cognition, resilience, and caregiver support often matter more. You’ll hear how transplant teams assess fitness using real-world measures of strength and daily function, why preparation and “prehab” can support recovery, and how patients and families can better understand the evaluation process before making decisions about treatment. This episode also includes a brief news update on new research showing that even small amounts of daily movement — just a few minutes at a time — may support long-term health, along with a look at BMT InfoNet’s Directory of Transplant Centers, a practical resource designed to help patients, survivors, and care partners compare programs and better understand where care happens. Whether you’re considering transplant later in life, supporting someone through the process, or caring for older patients in a clinical setting, this episode offers practical context, expert insight, and a clearer understanding of how these decisions are made. Resources and links referenced in this episode: Deep Dive Presentation Dr. Amelia Langston – Transplant and CAR T-Cell Therapy in Older Adults: Finding Balance Between Benefit and Risk https://bmtinfonet.org/video/transplant-and-car-t-cell-therapy-older-adults-finding-balance-between-benefit-and-risk News Articles Mentioned Washington Post – Small amounts of daily walking linked to longer lifespan https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2026/01/31/walking-exercise-increased-lifespan-study/ The Lancet – Physical activity and mortality risk study (original research) https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)02219-6/abstract Something That May Help BMT InfoNet – Directory of Transplant Centers https://bmtinfonet.org/transplantcenters BMT InfoNet – Directory of CAR T Centers https://bmtinfonet.org/directory-car-t-cell-therapy-centers Chapter Markers 00:00:01 Welcome! 00:00:52 Updates - Small Movements, Meaningful Impact 00:03:18 A Quick Note 00:04:37 Something That May Help - BMT Transplant Directory 00:06:30 Deep Dive - Cold Open 00:07:32 Deep Dive - Transplant and CAR T In Older Adults 00:08:41 Deep Dive - Why Age Matters – And Why It Doesn’t 00:11:17 Deep Dive - The Real Deciding Factor – Resilience 00:13:54 Deep Dive - How Providers Measure Fitness In Older Adults 00:16:13 Deep Dive - What Outcomes Really Look Like In Older Adults 00:17:41 Deep Dive - What Providers Can Do To Improve Outcomes 00:18:47 Deep Dive - What Patients And Families Can Do 00:20:02 Deep Dive - The Real Question Isn’t “Who Should Get A Transplant” 00:20:41 Deep Dive - Takeaways 00:21:43 One Last Thought Stay Connected with BMT InfoNet BMT InfoNet provides trusted information and compassionate support for anyone affected by stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy. www.bmtinfonet.org Contact the Thrive! Team Questions, feedback, or topic ideas: thrive@bmtinfonet.org Get Involved Support BMT InfoNet’s mission and stay informed. Donate: bmtinfonet.org/form/donationEmail Updates: bmtinfonet.org/email-signupPay It Forward: bmtinfonet.org/transplant-article/pay-it-forward Explore Resources Education, connection, and practical support.Events & Workshops: bmtinfonet.org/eventsSupport Groups: bmtinfonet.org/support-groupsResource Directory: bmtinfonet.org/resource-directoryPatient Assistance Fund: bmtinfonet.org/patient-assistance-fund Follow BMT InfoNet Facebook: facebook.com/BMTInfoNet Instagram: instagram.com/bmtinfonet LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bmtinfonet X (Twitter): twitter.com/bmtinfonet Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/bmtinfonet.bsky.social YouTube: youtube.com/BMTInfoNet Produced by La Strada Productions for BMT InfoNet www.lastrada.productions
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    23 mins
  • Your Eyes After Transplant

    Your Eyes After Transplant
    Feb 4 2026
    Ocular graft-versus-host disease is often thought of as dry eyes — but for many transplant recipients, the earliest signs can look very different. In this episode of Thrive!, we take a focused deep dive into ocular GVHD, a complication that can affect vision after allogeneic, or donor, stem cell transplant. Drawing from the expertise of Dr. Katie Luo of Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, we explore how ocular GVHD develops, why symptoms can begin subtly, and what early warning signs patients and care partners should pay attention to. You’ll hear how changes like crusting on the lashes, increased tearing, light sensitivity, or difficulty with everyday vision can be early signs of inflammation — and why recognizing and reporting those changes early matters. We also discuss the importance of monitoring eye health during periods when the immune system is being activated, and how working with eye specialists who understand GVHD can help protect long-term vision. This episode also includes a brief news update focused on trust and communication between patients and providers, and highlights a BMT InfoNet resource designed to help people living with GVHD find knowledgeable care closer to home. Whether you’re navigating ocular GVHD now, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand this condition more clearly, this episode offers practical context, expert insight, and reassurance that paying attention — even to subtle changes — matters. Resources and links referenced in this episode: Deep Dive Presentation Dr. Katie Luo – Graft-versus-Host Disease: What to Do When It Affects Your Eyes https://bmtinfonet.org/video/graft-versus-host-disease-what-do-when-it-affects-your-eyes News Article Mentioned Medscape – Tips for Talking to Patients About Health-Related Misinformation https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tips-talking-patients-about-health-related-misinformation-2026a100025h?ecd=WNL_trdalrt_pos1_260125_etid8056324&uac=291963MK&impID=8056324 Something That May Help BMT InfoNet – Directory of GVHD Clinics, Specialists, and Subspecialists https://bmtinfonet.org/gvhd-directory Connect with BMT InfoNet LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmt-infonet/ X (formerly Twitter) https://twitter.com/bmtinfonet Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/bmtinfonet.bsky.social Chapter Markers 00:00:01 Welcome! 00:00:52 Updates – Why Trust Matters in Medical Conversations 00:03:21 A Quick Note 00:04:31 Something That May Help – GVHD Providers 00:06:18 Deep Dive – Cold Open 00:07:43 Deep Dive – Your Eyes After Transplant 00:08:42 Deep Dive – Understanding What GVHD Is 00:10:41 Deep Dive – The Early Warning Signs Most Patients Miss 00:13:02 Deep Dive – What Triggers Ocular GVHD to Start 00:14:18 Deep Dive – How Ocular GVHD Damages the Eyes 00:15:05 Deep Dive – What You Can Do: Prevention and Daily Care 00:16:35 Deep Dive – Lubrication, Medications, and Procedures 00:18:39 Deep Dive – When Surgery Should and Should Not Be Used 00:21:13 Deep Dive – Hope, Advocacy, and Empowerment 00:22:45 Deep Dive – Takeaways 00:23:51 One Last Thought Stay Connected with BMT InfoNet BMT InfoNet provides trusted information and compassionate support for anyone affected by stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy. www.bmtinfonet.org Contact the Thrive! Team Questions, feedback, or topic ideas: thrive@bmtinfonet.org Get Involved Support BMT InfoNet’s mission and stay informed. Donate: bmtinfonet.org/form/donationEmail Updates: bmtinfonet.org/email-signupPay It Forward: bmtinfonet.org/transplant-article/pay-it-forward Explore Resources Education, connection, and practical support.Events & Workshops: bmtinfonet.org/eventsSupport Groups: bmtinfonet.org/support-groupsResource Directory: bmtinfonet.org/resource-directoryPatient Assistance Fund: bmtinfonet.org/patient-assistance-fund Follow BMT InfoNet Facebook: facebook.com/BMTInfoNet Instagram: instagram.com/bmtinfonet LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bmtinfonet X (Twitter): twitter.com/bmtinfonet Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/bmtinfonet.bsky.social YouTube: youtube.com/BMTInfoNet Produced by La Strada Productions for BMT InfoNet www.lastrada.productions
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
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