The Immune Hematology Program at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is one of the nation’s largest and most experienced treatment programs for children with immune cytopenias — disorders of the immune system that cause low counts of red blood cells, platelets, and/or white blood cells. We diagnose and treat children with a wide range of conditions including:
- Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), causing low platelet counts
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, causing low red blood cell counts
- Evans syndrome, causing low counts of of more than one type of blood cell (platelets, red blood cells, and/or neutrophils, a type of white blood cell)
As part of the Multidisciplinary Immune Dysregulation and Autoimmunity Syndrome (MIDAS) Program, we also care for children with immune dysregulation and autoimmune disorders in which abnormal blood counts are a component.
Services offered through the Immune Hematology Program
Our team collaborates to provide advanced diagnostic evaluations and treatment plans for immune cytopenias, tailored to your child’s individual needs. We provide:
- Comprehensive immune testing to better understand what is causing the low blood counts
- Genetic testing and counseling, if appropriate
- Referral of children with more complex disorders to additional specialists
- The opportunity to participate in research and clinical trials
Our approach to pediatric immune hematology
The Immune Hematology Program has more than two decades of experience caring for children of all ages with a full range of immune cytopenias, including complex, hard-to-treat conditions. We are a recognized leader in the field and engage in active research to help children with these disorders live life to the fullest.
Our pediatric hematologists partner with immunologists with expertise in autoimmunity and disorders of immune regulation. As needed, we also bring in specialists in rheumatology, endocrinology, pulmonology, gastrointestinal disorders, and others. We coordinate scheduling, so you can often see multiple specialists on the same day.
Commitment to research
Our research program in immune cytopenias provides many opportunities for children to participate in studies and clinical trials if they wish. Boston Children’s is a leading member of the pediatric ITP Consortium of North America (ICON), which is focused on research and treatment of immune cytopenias.
Our research initiatives include:
- Observational studies of children with immune cytopenias to track their health over time
- Clinical trials to test new interventions
- Laboratory studies of blood samples to better understand the underlying causes of immune cytopenias
- Studies exploring possible genetic risk factors for immune cytopenias
Contact the Immune Hematology Program
We see patients in both our main location in Boston (300 Longwood Ave.) and at Boston Children’s Waltham. We are here to answer your questions and offer guidance and support. Call 617-355-8246 for information, to schedule an appointment, or to speak with a specialist.
Boston Children's Hospital
300 Longwood Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-355-8246
Fax: 617-730-0641
