Advancing Cardiovascular Research in Bone Marrow Transplantation

CARE-BMT Registry

The Cardiovascular Registry in Bone Marrow Transplant (CARE-BMT) registry is a multi-center study designed to assess and understand cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). While HSCT has significantly improved survival rates for patients with hematologic malignancies and other disorders, long-term cardiovascular complications have emerged as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. The CARE-BMT registry was established to systematically evaluate cardiovascular risks, identify high-risk individuals, and guide the development of preventive strategies to improve patient outcomes.

This cohort integrates comprehensive clinical and epidemiological data to explore the interplay between pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors, transplant-related stressors, and post-HCT cardiovascular events. By tracking long-term outcomes, researchers aim to characterize how the transplant process influences heart health and determine which patients may benefit from early intervention. With a focus on early detection and risk stratification, the CARE-BMT registry provides valuable insights that are critical for optimizing long-term cardiovascular care in HSCT recipients.

Led by Dr. Alexi Vasbinder and a team of expert researchers, CARE-BMT represents a collaborative effort involving clinicians, researchers, and institutions across 10 centers dedicated to advancing knowledge and improving patient care in the field of bone marrow transplantation.

For more details, read the full study in the JACC:CardioOncology.

CARE-BMT Risk Score

Building upon the findings from the CARE-BMT registry, the CARE-BMT Risk Score is an innovative clinical tool developed to predict cardiovascular risk in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. Traditional cardiovascular risk models often fail to account for the unique physiological stressors associated with HSCT, including exposure to chemotherapy, radiation, and graft-versus-host disease. The CARE-BMT Risk Score was specifically designed to bridge this gap by incorporating transplant-specific factors alongside conventional cardiovascular risk indicators.

This predictive model enables clinicians to identify patients at the highest risk for major cardiovascular events following HSCT. By integrating demographic data, pre-transplant health status, and transplant-specific variables, the CARE-BMT Risk Score provides a tailored risk assessment that helps guide early interventions. The goal of this model is to shift post-transplant cardiovascular care from a reactive to a proactive approach—allowing for personalized monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and targeted preventive strategies.

As the first cardiovascular risk score developed specifically for the HSCT population, the CARE-BMT Risk Score represents a significant advancement in the field. By equipping clinicians with a validated tool to assess cardiovascular risk more accurately, this model has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce long-term complications in transplant survivors.

For more details, read the full study in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Why This Research Matters

While HSCT has revolutionized the treatment of hematologic diseases, its impact on cardiovascular health is an increasingly urgent concern. Many HSCT survivors develop cardiovascular complications due to the cumulative effects of pre-existing conditions, transplant-related therapies, and long-term inflammation. The CARE-BMT registry and CARE-BMT Risk Score provide the foundation for a deeper understanding of these risks, helping to shape clinical guidelines that prioritize cardiovascular health in transplant recipients.

By advancing research in this area, these efforts pave the way for improved screening protocols, risk-based monitoring strategies, and more effective preventive interventions. Integrating these findings into routine clinical practice has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life and longevity of HSCT survivors.

For more information, collaboration opportunities, or inquiries about this research, please feel free to reach out to avasbind@uw.edu.