Stem Cell Transplantation Program
About us
Established in the 1970s, the Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center (DF/CHCC) Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Program is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced pediatric transplant centers in the nation. Our pediatric transplantation experts perform about 80 stem cell transplants each year.
Patients receiving stem cell transplants are admitted to our 13-bed stem cell transplantation unit at Children's. New patient consultations and post-transplant care appointments take place at the nearby Dana-Farber's Jimmy Fund Clinic.
Our doctors work with national research groups, including the Children's Oncology Group and the Blood and Marrow Clinical Trials Network. Our Stem Cell Transplantation Program remains at the forefront of transplantation research and technology.
Treatment advances developed at Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center have led to international recognition of the program as one of the most accomplished pediatric transplant centers in the world.
We evaluate and treat patients with different types of cancer, immunological and genetic disorders including:
- acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- acute myelogenous leukemia
- chronic meylogenous leukemia
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- brain tumors
- aplastic anemia
- fanconi anemia
- sickle cell disease
- thalassemia
- myelodysplastic syndrome
- osteopetrosis
- primary immunodeficiencies (severe combined immunodeficiency and errors of metabolism)
- solid tumors (neuroblastoma, Wilms’ tumor and some testicular/ovarian cancers)
Your child’s transplant team
The group of specialists involved in your child’s care through the transplant process is often referred to as the “transplant team.” This group of specialists works together to provide your child the best chance of a successful transplant. Our transplant team consists of:
- Physicians, who specialize in pediatric oncology, hematology, immunology and bone marrow transplantation
- nurses, who work closely with all members of the team to plan and carry out your child’s care, providing support and teaching along the way
- clinical assistants, who assist the nursing staff in providing care to your child
- social workers, who help your family deal with many issues that may arise including lodging and transportation, finances, schooling and legal issues
- dieticians, who help your child meet nutritional needs before and after transplant
- physical therapists, who help your child become strong and independent with movement and endurance after the transplant
Did you know? Graft-versus-host clinic
Our team offers one of the only Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) clinics in the country for pediatric stem cell transplant patients, offering specialized care for children and teens managing this treatment-related side effect.
