The UAD is a pioneering service that since 2000 has provided specialist medical and nursing care at home for patients with cancer and haematological diseases — a model recognised as a benchmark both nationally and internationally.
25 years of evolution of a pioneering model
The celebration opened with remarks from Dr Carlos Fernández de Larrea, Head of Haematology at ICAMS, and Lourdes Corominas, UAD nursing coordinator, who recalled the project's origins: a pilot programme for home-based autologous transplantation (TASP) which, with its first 50 patients, already demonstrated clinical improvements and gains in quality of life.
Since then, the UAD has expanded steadily, incorporating highly complex programmes such as:
- home-based allogeneic transplantation,
- cellular therapies including CAR-T,
- home chemotherapy and immunotherapy,
- treatment dose-escalation management.
This evolution has been accompanied by remarkable growth in activity: in 2024 alone, the unit managed 5,320 episodes, consolidating its position as the leading service for home-based haematological care.
Patient experiences and a look to the future
Liaison nurse Cristina Gallego reviewed the UAD's journey and moderated a roundtable with two patients — M. Isabel Chuquimia de Salazar and Daniel Martinez de Obregón — and a professional carer from Fundació Formació i Treball (FiT), Daniel Salido Marin. They shared their experience of receiving complex treatments at home, highlighting the closeness of the team, the comfort of familiar surroundings, and the sense of security provided by continuous nursing follow-up.
Dr Francesc Fernández, Head of the Outpatient and Home Care Section, then outlined future challenges, including the use of remote monitoring technologies, improved personalised protocols, and extending the model to new patient profiles.
Closing and recognition of 25 years
The event closed with a commemorative video reviewing the unit's key milestones. The celebration recognised the contribution of all those who have helped build a model that, 25 years on, continues to innovate and transform the way haematological patients are cared for at home. It was also an opportunity to thank the external partners who have made this pioneering service possible: the Fundació Josep Carreras, the Fundació Formació i Treball (FiT), and Petit Mon.
