Stem Cell Transplantation Program

Stem Cell Transplantation Clinical Research

Our research scientists are recognized for their discoveries surrounding stem cell biology and blood formation.

Our mission is to rapidly translate scientific discoveries into improved patient care.

In 2007, the laboratory of Leonard Zon, MD, discovered that adding a certain drug to blood stem cells in zebrafish and mouse models boosted stem cell production. Zon guided this discovery into a clinical trial to determine whether this drug might help transplant patients with leukemia. If successful, the drug may enhance recovery of the child's blood and immune system and be an important advance in transplantation.

Studies from the laboratory of George Daley, MD, PhD, showed that fat cells in the bone marrow suppress the recovery of blood cell production following bone marrow transplantation in mice. Scientists are testing drugs that block the formation of fat cells in anticipation of a future clinical trial in transplant patients.

We are also currently investigating the use of autologous transplant for children with neuroblastoma and brain tumors.

We are members of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network, the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium and a Phase I Children's Oncology Group Center.