An amyloidosis treatment center is dedicated to diagnosing and treating patients with amyloidosis, including transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). These specialized centers provide access to new research into amyloidosis — including the latest clinical trials.
Understanding amyloidosis and its care
Amyloidosis is a rare disease that occurs when proteins produced by the body misfold and are deposited in the body’s organs and tissues, causing organ damage and dysfunction. The different types of amyloidosis affect different organs, and therefore each require a tailored treatment approach.
Amyloidosis treatment centers focus on the most common types of amyloidosis, including the two forms of ATTR-CM:
- Amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis: This is the most common form of amyloidosis, and affects the heart, liver, kidneys and nerves. It is also known as primary amyloidosis.
- Amyloid A protein (AA) amyloidosis: This type is often triggered by an inflammatory disease or a chronic infection and affects the kidneys, spleen and liver. It’s also known as secondary amyloidosis.
- Wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (wATTR-CM): This form of ATTR-CM most commonly affects the heart and nerves, and is associated with ageing.
- Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (hATTR-CM): This type is passed down through the family, and affects the heart, nerves, kidneys and other organs.
Read more about ATTR-CM signs and symptoms
Reasons to consult an amyloidosis treatment center
There is no cure for amyloidosis, but that doesn’t mean expert care isn’t worth seeking out. New therapies can help slow or stop disease progression. Learning effective symptom management can help you maintain quality of life when living with amyloidosis.
Specialized amyloidosis treatment centers are usually attached to larger hospitals or clinics and provide expert medical advice and care, such as:
- Accurate diagnosis: Advanced diagnostic tools will ensure an accurate diagnosis of amyloidosis, with the correct type and disease stage.
- A range of specialists: Multidisciplinary healthcare teams that include cardiologists, neurologists, hematologists, nephrologists, gastroenterologists, rheumatologists, dermatologists, oncologists, pathologists and genetic counselors will provide you with specialized care.
- Personalized care and treatment plans: When the amyloidosis diagnosis is confirmed and the type and stage of the disease is identified, the healthcare team will put together a personalized treatment plan. This will take into account your symptom burden, your symptoms’ impact on your quality of life and the treatment and symptoms of other medical conditions.
- New therapies and clinical trials: As experts in their field, your healthcare team will be aware of emerging therapies, as well as new clinical trials. They will be able to guide you in the process of applying to become a participant in such trials of new medical devices, drugs or treatments.
- Advice and support for living with amyloidosis: Navigating daily life with amyloidosis can be challenging. Your healthcare team will give you advice on how to manage your symptoms to live better with amyloidosis. This support will be invaluable as you learn to adjust your personal and professional schedules to support your overall well-being.
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