The Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Program is a nationally recognized leader in the treatment of children and teens with certain types of cancer, rare genetic conditions such as immune deficiency disorders and bone marrow failure syndromes. As a program of the Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Packard Children's physicians are faculty in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant at the Stanford School of Medicine. 

Packard Children's Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Program provides patients with a distinct advantage. Our relationship with Stanford and our proximity to Silicon Valley innovation put us in a unique position to find treatment solutions for the most complex diseases and bring the most novel therapies from bench to bedside.

There are over 40 pediatric diagnoses for which stem cell transplant is an option. Our programmatic approaches using all available donor sources allow us to not only help children with diseases treatable by transplant but also positions us to find a donor for virtually every eligible patient.

The program is affiliated with National Marrow Donor Program, Consortium for international Bone Marrow Transplant Registry, Clinical Trials Network, Children's Oncology group and Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant consortium.

Innovative Approach

Our multidisciplinary team has performed more than 700 transplants in the program's 25-year history—currently more than 40 transplants per year. We are known for the development of Disease-specific transplant regimens that have improved outcomes and reduced toxicity related to chemotherapy. Our physicians have extensive experience in the use of reduced intensity preparative regimens for genetic disorders. These regimens involve lower doses of chemotherapy, which can offer improved outcomes in very high-risk patients. We have also developed novel protocols for the treatment of immune deficiencies. In malignant diseases like leukemia the emphasis of the program is to develop effective strategies to reduce post-transplant relapse.

Packard Children's Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Program is certified by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy for its high-quality patient care and laboratory performance.

Family-Centered Care

In addition to leading-edge medical treatments, the Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Program offers extensive support services to help families through every step of the transplant process. Packard Children's is committed to providing family-centered care, ensuring that families have access to clear and complete information and are involved in all aspects of their child's health care decisions. The Family-Centered Care program educates and integrates families into the health care team, working with hospital staff in developing a care program tailored specifically to the patient's needs. We also provide assistance with housing, transportation and other services that address the emotional needs that arise at this challenging time in a family's life.

Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases 

In 2009, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital opened the new Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases.  The Center includes 12 dedicated inpatient rooms for SCT patients and their families.  Each of these private rooms is equipped with a fold-out daybed that can sleep two parents.  Other amenities available on the inpatient unit include a lounge area equipped with toys, TVs and Internet access, and a kitchen.  The entire unit is HEPA filtered and also includes a special water purification system to help protect patients from infection during chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.

The Bass Center also includes a 15-bed inpatient unit for hematology and oncology patients, a clinic, onsite lab services, a fully equipped day hospital (with nine treatment beds and an infusion area), a procedure room, and a specialized pharmacy.  By consolidating most services necessary to diagnose and treat stem cell transplant patients and other patients with cancer and blood disorders into a single location, the Center limits the need for families to navigate within the hospital, and allows them to develop a sense of familiarity and comfort with their environment and their health care team. 

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is an internationally recognized 311-bed hospital, research center and leading regional medical network providing the full complement of services for the health of children and expectant mothers. Our world-class doctors and nurses deliver innovative, family-centered care in every pediatric and obstetric specialty, tailored to every patient. Packard Children's is annually ranked as one of the nation's best pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and is the only Northern California children's hospital with specialty programs ranked in the U.S. News Top 10. Learn more about us at lpch.org and about our continuing growth at growingtogether.org. Friend us on Facebook, watch us on YouTube and follow us on Twitter.