Ophir Loyola Hospital performs first bone marrow transplant for solid tumor through SUS in Northern Brazil
Reference hospital in high complexity expands possibilities for oncological treatment in the Northern Region
The Ophir Loyola Hospital (HOL) has just achieved a historic milestone for public health in the Northern Region: the first bone marrow transplant for the treatment of a solid tumor performed by the Unified Health System (SUS). The procedure was carried out on a patient diagnosed with a germ cell tumor, after not showing an adequate response to conventional chemotherapy.
Until now, bone marrow transplants were predominantly indicated for patients with hematological diseases, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. In some situations, patients with solid tumors may also benefit from bone marrow transplants.
An unprecedented step for medicine in the Amazon
The procedure, conducted by hematologist Dr. Thiago Xavier, paved the way to expand treatment possibilities in the region. “Bone marrow transplants are usually performed for blood diseases or hematological cancers. But in some situations, patients with solid tumors can also benefit. This was the case for our patient, who was being treated at Unacon, João Barros Barreto Hospital, did not respond well to chemotherapy, and was referred to our service. Here, he successfully underwent the transplant. This is the first time this procedure has been performed by SUS in the Northern Region,” he emphasized.
Dr. Thiago Xavier also highlighted that the impact goes far beyond a single case. “The expansion of the bone marrow transplant structure in the North can benefit numerous patients, including those with blood tumors and some cases of solid tumors, like this one. It is essential to remember that Ophir Loyola is the only center authorized to perform this type of procedure through SUS in the region. This advancement will benefit not only our hospital but the entire State and, eventually, other neighboring States.”
The story of the first patient - The first patient to experience this milestone was Yan Tiago do Vale da Silva, who has been facing an intense battle against cancer for three years. After several surgeries and 18 cycles of chemotherapy, he found in the transplant a new chance at life.
“I felt very blessed and privileged. When I discovered the disease, it was a huge turning point in my life and in my wife's. I never imagined I would be the first patient to undergo this transplant here in the North. I see this as a great blessing,” he stated emotionally.
Despite the difficulties of treatment, Yan reinforces a message of hope for those facing the same struggle. “I was already tired after so many chemotherapy sessions, but I found hope in the transplant. My message is to never give up. There are days when the pain makes us think about stopping, but we must trust, because where our strength ends, is where God begins.”
He also does not hide his greatest motivation. “My wife is my biggest dream and my greatest strength. We fight together because we want to start a family. That has always been the reason that made me keep going.”
The strength of family - By her husband's side at all times, Beatriz Monteiro summarized the procedure as a shared victory. “Above all, I can only thank God, because He is our strength. I pray every day for my husband's life, but also for all the patients facing this disease, and for all the healthcare professionals who dedicate themselves so much; doctors, nurses, technicians, everyone. My feeling today is one of deep gratitude to God, to the team at Ophir Loyola Hospital, and also to SUS. We know the difficulties of the system, but without this opportunity, none of this would be possible. Seeing my husband standing, with a new chance at life, is a blessing we will never forget.”
A promising future - For Dr. Thiago Xavier, the bone marrow transplant represents hope in challenging cases, such as germ cell tumors, which often do not respond to standard treatment.
“Some subtypes of these tumors only show improved survival with bone marrow transplant. In certain cases, more than one transplant may even be necessary. Our team is prepared to evaluate each situation individually, in conjunction with the originating oncologists, always seeking the best outcome for the patient.”
The procedure marks not only an individual success but also a leap in quality in the high-complexity healthcare provided in Pará and throughout the Amazon. With the authorization of Ophir Loyola Hospital for bone marrow transplants through SUS, access to treatments previously restricted to other regions of the country becomes a reality for thousands of patients in the Northern region.
