If you require a transplant, or have serious medical concerns, imaging can help determine the best course of action.

At Colorado Blood Cancer Institute, we work to bring you clarity as you start your cancer journey. This begins with advanced imaging exams, which effectively detect and diagnose blood cancers, forming the foundation of your treatment plan.

Diagnostic imaging services we offer

While imaging is helpful for many reasons, it can be particularly beneficial in determining your eligibility for a stem cell transplant.

Imaging for the pre-transplant process

We offer a variety of imaging tests to help diagnose the equally varied range of diseases we treat. If you require a transplant, available imaging options include:

  • Bone scans
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scans
  • Echocardiogram
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scans
  • X-rays

After completing any necessary tests, you will also need to see your dentist to identify infections or other potential areas of concern. Any required dental work will have to be addressed prior to your transplant, the process of which should be discussed with your transplant coordinator.

Additionally, because of the emotional stress stem cell transplants can cause, you are required to meet with the transplant psychologist before moving towards the transplant. Your transplant coordinator will help you set up this appointment, and family members or friends are encouraged to come to the appointment as well.

Once all imaging and pre-transplant assessments have been completed, the transplant team determines whether a transplant is safe for you. If you move forward with a transplant, a consent meeting will be arranged between yourself, your support system, the transplant physician and your coordinator. Here, you can review the consent forms and ask any additional questions.

Restaging after chemotherapy

Following rounds of chemotherapy, we complete an additional evaluation to try and understand the full scope of chemotherapy's effects on your cancer and major organs. This re-evaluation, known as restaging, can involve CT scans, MRIs and X-rays, as well as several physical and laboratory tests. A thorough approach like this is essential, because it helps us continue developing a blood cancer care plan that has the greatest chance of success.