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Juliet N. Barker
My expertise is in donor-derived hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem-cell transplantation, with a particular emphasis on the use of umbilical cord blood from healthy newborns as a source of stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells from a healthy sibling or an unrelated volunteer adult donor can cure many patients with diseases of the blood and bone marrow. However, many patients do not have an available donor. Umbilical cord blood can be used as an alternative source of hematopoietic stem cells, and it has a number of advantages over bone marrow from an unrelated donor. These include a reduced need for a perfect HLA (tissue type) match, faster availability, and a lower risk of a serious transplant complication called graft-versus-host disease, which occurs when the transplanted cells attack the body's normal tissues.
I also conduct clinical research investigating new ways to use umbilical cord blood to treat diseases of the blood and bone marrow. These include increasing the number of umbilical cord blood cells by combining two units from different donors (known as double-unit transplants) and transplanting umbilical cord blood after reduced intensity preparative regimens (so-called mini transplants). These strategies promise to extend access to transplants to many adult patients who can't receive conventional umbilical cord blood transplants due to an insufficient number of cells, age, extensive prior treatment, or other illness that precludes high-dose chemotherapy before their transplant. In addition, in collaboration with my scientific colleagues at the MSKCC, I am conducting related laboratory studies to better understand the biology of umbilical cord blood transplantation. These studies should ultimately lead to improved treatment for patients with blood diseases.
Phone
212-639-3468
Education
MBBS, University of Adelaide (Australia)
Residencies
Royal Adelaide Hospital (Australia); Westmead Hospital (Australia)
Fellowships
University of Minnesota
Board Certifications
Internal Medicine (Australia)
Clinical Expertise
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Department & Service
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