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
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    25 mins
  • The CAR T Option

    The CAR T Option
    Jan 27 2026
    CAR T-cell therapy raises practical questions that go beyond how the treatment works: questions about what happens during recovery, how long side effects may last, what care partners actually do, and when life starts to feel more like normal again. This episode draws from BMT InfoNet’s webinar Ask the CAR T Experts, where clinicians and a psychosocial specialist respond to real questions from patients and care partners navigating CAR T. We explore the full timeline, from leukapheresis and bridging therapy to managing cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity, and infection risk at home. We also address care partner roles, fatigue and cognitive changes that can linger for months, and what daily life can look like after the acute phase ends. Whether you’re considering CAR T, supporting someone through it, or working with patients in a clinical setting, this episode offers grounded insight into the realities of preparation, treatment, and recovery — and what it takes to move through each phase with clarity and support. Featured experts: Dr. Jay Spiegel (University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center)Dr. Diana Cirstea (Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute)Margaret Franzetti, LCSW (BMT InfoNet CAR T Support Groups). Resources and links referenced in this episode: Doctor Tips on Supplements and Research (The New York Times) https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/23/well/doctor-tips-supplements-research.html Honoring a Pioneer in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (ASH News Daily) https://ashpublications.org/ashnewsdaily/news/8953/Honoring-a-Pioneer-in-Hematopoietic-Stem-Cell Watch the Deep Dive: Ask the CAR T Experts https://bmtinfonet.org/video/ask-car-t-cell-experts BMT InfoNet CAR T Support Groups https://bmtinfonet.org/event/car-t-support-group Herbs and Supplements: Are They Safe for Transplant Recipients? https://bmtinfonet.org/video/herbs-and-supplements-are-they-safe-transplant-recipients CAR T-Cell Therapy: What to Expect Before, During and After (BOOK) https://bmtinfonet.org/product/car-t-cell-therapy-what-expect-during-and-after BMT InfoNet YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@BMTinfonet CHAPTERS 00:00:01 – Welcome! 00:01:02 – Updates - Supplements And Transplant Safety 00:02:56 – Updates - Honoring A Pioneer - Rainer Storb 00:04:58 – A Quick Note 00:06:21 – Something That May Help - Caring Connections 00:07:23 – Deep Dive - Cold Open 00:08:12 – Deep Dive - The CAR T Option 00:09:34 – Deep Dive - CAR T - What Are The Steps Involved 00:11:07 – Deep Dive - CAR T - What Are The Most Common Side Effects 00:12:09 – Deep Dive - How Long Do CAR T Cells Survive In The Body 00:13:23 – Deep Dive - How Can I Avoid Infections 00:14:21 – Deep Dive - How Long Do I Need A Caregiver 00:16:12 – Deep Dive - Lingering Symptoms After CAR T 00:16:53 – Deep Dive - Quality of Life After CAR T 00:17:58 – Deep Dive - Takeaways 00:19:22 – 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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    21 mins
  • Your Bones After Transplant and CAR T

    Your Bones After Transplant and CAR T
    Jan 20 2026
    In this episode of Thrive! — A BMT InfoNet Podcast, we take a closer look at bone health after stem cell transplant and CAR T-cell therapy, an often overlooked but essential part of recovery and long-term well-being. We also share a few recent news updates shaping cancer care and recovery, including: • New research offering renewed hope for people living with multiple myeloma through combination immunotherapy • What rising cancer survival rates reveal about follow-up care, quality of life, and life after treatment • The growing demands placed on older spouses supporting recovery at home In today’s Deep Dive segment, we explore bone health in greater detail. Drawing from a presentation by Dr. Angeliki Stamatouli, an endocrinologist at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center, we walk through why bone loss is common after treatment, who is most at risk, and how bone health can be preserved, monitored, and treated as part of survivorship care. This episode is designed for patients, survivors, care partners, and the medical professionals who support them, offering clear context and practical insights to help navigate life after treatment with greater confidence. New episodes of Thrive! are released weekly and are about 20 minutes long, making it easy to stay informed wherever you listen. Resources and Links Mentioned in This Episode Bone Health and Other Endocrine Issues After Transplant or CAR T-Cell Therapy Dr. Angeliki Stamatouli – full presentation https://bmtinfonet.org/video/bone-health-and-other-endocrine-issues-after-transplant-or-car-t-cell-therapy New Hope for Multiple Myeloma Patients https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/01/15/cancer-drug-multiple-myeloma-immunotherapy What Longer Cancer Survival Means https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/01/13/cancer-survival-treatment-screening-research The Growing Demands on Older Care Partners https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/01/10/senior-caregivers-spouse/ BMT InfoNet Directory of Mental Health Providers https://bmtinfonet.org/mh-directory Sign up for BMT InfoNet emails to receive trusted updates, education, and resources for patients, survivors, and care partners https://bmtinfonet.org/form/join-news Links were active at the time of publication. CHAPTERS 00:01 – Welcome! 00:51 – Updates: News Intro 01:06 – Updates: New Hope for Multiple Myeloma Patients 03:01 – Updates: What Longer Cancer Survival Means 05:05 – Updates: The Growing Burden on Older Care Partners 07:16 – A Quick Note 08:37 – Something That May Help: Mental Health Directory 10:06 – Deep Dive: Cold Open 11:10 – Deep Dive: Bone Health After Treatment 12:30 – Deep Dive: Why Bone Health Matters 13:32 – Deep Dive: Understanding Osteoporosis 14:34 – Deep Dive: Risk Factors for Bone Loss 15:49 – Deep Dive: Monitoring Bone Health 17:44 – Deep Dive: Building Stronger Bones Through Lifestyle and Nutrition 19:51 – Deep Dive: Treatment Options 21:03 – Deep Dive: Takeaways 22:43 – 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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    24 mins
  • The Immune System After Transplant and CAR T

    The Immune System After Transplant and CAR T
    Jan 14 2026
    In this episode of Thrive! — A BMT InfoNet Podcast, we begin with a few important updates on CAR T access and availability, including new FDA approval news and recent research examining patient-reported outcomes after stem cell transplant and CAR T-cell therapy. In today’s Deep Dive segment, we take a closer look at managing infections after treatment. Drawing from the expertise of infectious disease specialist Dr. Gowri Satyanarayana, we explore why infection risk exists during recovery, what symptoms should never be ignored, and how patients and care partners can reduce risk while still maintaining quality of life. Topics include neutropenic fever, common categories of infections, prevention strategies, travel considerations, and vaccinations after transplant or CAR T. This episode also highlights Patient Stories from the BMT InfoNet community, where patients, survivors, and care partners share firsthand experiences of life before, during, and after treatment. Resources and Links Mentioned in This Episode Managing Infections After Transplant and CAR T-Cell Therapy Dr. Gowri Satyanarayana — full presentation 👉 bmtinfonet.org/video/managing-infections-after-transplant-and-car-t-cell-therapy-0 BMT InfoNet Facebook Community Facebook Main Page 👉 www.facebook.com/BMTInfonet/ Facebook Club Page 👉 www.facebook.com/bonemarrowstemcelltransplantclub Facebook Private Group 👉 www.facebook.com/groups/ASecondChanceAtLife Patient Stories from the BMT & CAR T Community 👉 bmtinfonet.org/stories Headlines Referenced in This Episode Promoting CAR T Access: Awareness, Capacity, and Economics 👉 targetedonc.com/view/promoting-car-t-access-focuses-on-awareness-capacity-and-economics FDA Approves YARTEMLEA™ as the First Therapy for TA-TMA 👉 investor.omeros.com/news-releases/news-release-details/fda-approves-omeros-yartemlear-first-and-only-therapy-indicated Patient-Reported Outcomes After Stem Cell Transplant and CAR T-Cell Therapy 👉 ashpublications.org/bloodadvances/article/9/24/6380/547438/Patient-reported-outcomes-in-patients-with Links were active at the time of publication. CHAPTERS 0:01 - Welcome! 0:46 - Updates - CAR T Access & Availability 2:27 - Updates - FDA Approves 1st TA-TMA Therapy 3:56 - Updates - Patient-Reported Outcomes After Treatment 5:21 - A Quick Note 6:14 - Something That May Help - Caring Connections 7:12 - Deep Dive - Cold Open 8:11 - Deep Dive - Managing Infections After Treatment 9:38 - Deep Dive - Understanding Neutropenic Fever 11:04 - Deep Dive - Four Categories of Infections 14:53 - Deep Dive - How Patients and Care Partners Can Help Prevent Infections 16:04 - Deep Dive - The Opportunity of Travel 16:36 - Deep Dive - Vaccinations After Transplant & CAR T 18:08 - Deep Dive - Takeaways 19:32 - 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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    21 mins
  • The Mind After Transplant and CAR T

    The Mind After Transplant and CAR T
    Jan 6 2026
    In this premiere episode of Thrive! — A BMT InfoNet Podcast, we begin with several updates related to survivorship, including new tools designed to support mental health, recent research on transplant access using alternative donors, and emerging evidence on outcomes with older donors when modern graft-versus-host disease prevention is used. In today’s Deep Dive segment, we take a closer look at how stem cell transplant and CAR T-cell therapy can affect memory, focus, and mental clarity. Drawing on the expertise of psychiatrist and psycho-oncology specialist Dr. Zev Nakamura of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, we explore why these cognitive changes can occur, how common they are, who may be at greater risk, and what strategies may help support cognitive recovery over time. The episode also highlights Caring Connections, BMT InfoNet’s peer-support program that connects patients, survivors, and care partners with trained volunteers who have walked a similar path. Resources and Links Mentioned in This Episode Dr. Zev Nakamura’s full presentation Managing Cognitive Challenges After Transplant and CAR T-cell Therapy – BMT InfoNet Symposium 2025 👉 bmtinfonet.org/video/cognitive-challenges-after-transplant-and-car-t-cell-therapy-and-treatment-options Recommended reading Improving Cognitive Function After Cancer by Shelli Kesler, PhD 👉 Out of general print as of the date of this episode’s publication, but available through libraries and used-book sellers online. BMT InfoNet’s Caring Connections Program 👉 bmtinfonet.org/caring-connections Headlines Referenced in This Episode Mobile App Helps Survivors Manage PTSD Symptoms 👉 dailynews.ascopubs.org/do/mobile-app-offers-promising-intervention-ptsd-symptom-relief-cancer-survivors-received Study Supports Faster Transplant with Alternative Donors 👉 targetedonc.com/view/transplant-patients-may-have-same-success-with-alternative-and-fully-matched-donors Improved Outcomes with Older Donors Using Modern GVHD Prevention 👉 astct.org/Nucleus/Article/unrelated-donor-age-and-recipient-outcomes-after-posttransplant-cyclophosphamide-vs-conventional-prophylaxis Links were active at the time of publication. If you found this episode helpful, please consider following Thrive! — A BMT InfoNet Podcast on your favorite podcast app and leaving a rating or review. It helps more patients, care partners, and clinicians discover these conversations and the support they offer. Chapters 00:01 Welcome 01:16 Updates – PTSD Support App 02:34 Updates – Faster Transplant with Alternative Donors 04:14 Updates – Older Donors Safer with Modern GVHD Prevention 05:29 A Quick Note 06:21 Something That May Help – Caring Connections 07:38 Deep Dive – Cold Open 08:37 Deep Dive – The Mind After Treatment 10:17 Deep Dive – What Are Cognitive Changes? 12:38 Deep Dive – Why Does This Happen? 14:03 Deep Dive – How Common Are These Problems? 15:39 Deep Dive – Who’s at Greater Risk? 17:17 Deep Dive – What Can Help? 20:34 Deep Dive – Takeaways 21:41 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
  • Introducing A New Way To Get Trusted Information

    Introducing A New Way To Get Trusted Information
    Nov 19 2025

    Welcome to Thrive!, a new podcast from BMT InfoNet designed to support people navigating life before, during, and after a stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy.

    Each episode features expert guidance from leading transplant and CAR T clinicians, real stories from survivors and caregivers, and practical tips to help you understand treatment options, manage side effects, and feel more confident in your recovery.

    Whether you’re preparing for a transplant, adjusting after CAR T-cell therapy, or caring for someone on this journey, Thrive! is here to keep you informed, connected, and empowered.

    Listen to the trailer to learn what’s ahead — and join us as we explore the tools, insights, and hope that help people thrive after transplant and CAR T-cell therapy.

    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/donation
    • Email Updates: bmtinfonet.org/email-signup
    • Pay It Forward: bmtinfonet.org/transplant-article/pay-it-forward

    Explore Resources

    • Education, connection, and practical support.
    • Events & Workshops: bmtinfonet.org/events
    • Support Groups: bmtinfonet.org/support-groups
    • Resource Directory: bmtinfonet.org/resource-directory
    • Patient 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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    3 mins