Pediatric blood and marrow transplant overview
The Fred Hutch Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) is one of the world’s largest and most experienced centers for pediatric stem cell transplantation.
With every patient, we push for a perfect transplant and follow-up care. And every day, because of our experienced doctors, advanced treatments, research, and commitment, we inch closer to our goal of a lifesaving cure and a long healthy life for every child who comes to us.
Why Choose SCCA for Pediatric Transplant
- Most experienced transplant center: The Hutch pioneered the use of bone marrow transplants (BMTs) as a treatment for blood diseases more than 40 years ago. We have now performed over 16,000 BMTs, more than any other institution in the world. Nearly 20 percent of these transplants have been done in children. In 2014 the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) reported 757 allogeneic stem cell transplants were done at SCCA between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2012, the highest volume in the nation.
- Outstanding survival results: In 2014 CIBMTR reported that SCCA was one of just 15 out of more than 165 stem cell transplant programs with a higher-than-expected one-year survival rate for patients who had an allogeneic transplant. SCCA was one of only five U.S. transplant centers to outperform in survival rates six or more times since 2005.
- Advanced transplant methods: We offer innovative transplant methods that provide your child with safer conditioning, more potent anti-cancer actions, fewer complications, and new options for those without donor matches or with noncancerous conditions. Cord blood transplants and special techniques using minimally mismatched and haploidentical stem cell sources ensure that almost all patients who need a transplant will have a donor.
- Innovative research: Thousands of scientists at the Hutch and Seattle Children’s Research Institute are working hard to translate laboratory findings into new therapies. Your child will have access to the most advanced therapies being explored in pediatric clinical studies.
- Ranked among the best: Our unmatched experience and advanced treatments have allowed us to deliver survival results that consistently rank among the best in the nation. In Seattle, your child will receive the best possible chance for a lifesaving cure.
- An expert pediatric team: Seattle is home to many of the world’s top experts in pediatric cancers, blood disorders, and transplantation. Our highly experienced team from Seattle Children’s and the Hutch — two of SCCA’s founding organizations—will coordinate and customize the transplant procedure that is exactly right for your child’s condition. We have the outstanding transplant facilities, robust family support services, and long-term follow-up programs needed to make your child’s transplant a success.
- Extraordinary support: Our many patient and family support programs help you manage all the necessary details—from travel and housing to school, insurance issues, and more.
- Long-term follow-up: Our Pediatric Long-Term Follow-Up Program helps families and children transition back home and manage any long-term transplant-related issues.
Facts
Since its introduction, BMT has succeeded in boosting long-term survival rates from nearly zero to more than 85 percent for several serious blood cancers in children. The newest BMT methods—such as reduced-intensity transplants, half-matched transplants, and cord blood transplants—have made the procedure available to many more children. Increasingly, children and young adults with noncancerous conditions, such as aplastic anemia, immune disorders, and autoimmune disease, are also benefitting from BMT.
What to expect
Deciding that your child should have a BMT is the first step of a long, challenging journey. We are here to support you and your family.
This section includes practical information to help families prepare for a transplant — from the first phone call to SCCA through the hospital stay and the return home.
Talk to a pediatric transplant physician
We know you are looking for answers that are specific to your child’s situation. That’s why we encourage families of children who may require a BMT to talk directly to one of our pediatric transplant specialists — by phone or in person — about their child’s condition and therapy options.
Contact us
Answers to your questions
We understand that you may have many questions for us about our pediatric transplant program as well as logistically questions. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers that may be helpful.
Parents as caregivers
For most children having a BMT, one or both parents are the primary caregivers. Although our doctors and nurses will take care of all the complex care, especially during hospitalization, your child will benefit tremendously from the constant companionship, watchfulness, and support of the primary caregiver. This close support may even allow your child to leave the hospital sooner.