Stem Cell Transplant & Cellular Therapies
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Advanced Cellular Therapy for Complex Conditions
The pediatric Stem Cell Transplant & Cellular Therapies program at ÌÇÐÄVlog Children’s offers hope to children with complex cancers and blood disorders. As one of the nation's leading providers for stem cell transplantation (also called bone marrow transplantation) and cellular therapy, we offer access to groundbreaking treatments that aren't available elsewhere.
Specialists in stem cell transplantation, cellular therapy, immunology, and specialized nursing work as a team to provide complete care. We have specialized inpatient (hospital) units and programs designed just for kids and teens. And our team meets weekly to review progress and adjust treatment plans for the best possible results.
Our care is part of a nationally ranked cancer and blood disorders center of excellenceÌýwith multiple locations across Delaware and Florida. Together, we’ve pioneered advances in cellular therapy, including CAR-T cell therapy and innovative stem cell transplant approaches. We’re accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) with outcomes that consistently exceed national averages.
We offer the full range of transplant options, including autologous (using a child’s own stem cells), allogeneic (using donated stem cells), and cord blood transplants, all tailored to your child's specific needs.
Nationally Recognized Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
The ÌÇÐÄVlog Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (NCCBD) is a place where children and young adults get the highest level of care in a comforting, family-centered environment. We’re one of the largest programs of its kind. With three regional locations throughout the Delaware Valley and Florida, we offer access to the most promising new treatments, often years before they're available elsewhere.Ìý
See how our collaborative approach, groundbreaking research, focused support and state-of-the-art facilities give kids with cancer the best chance for a long, healthy live.
A stem cell transplant is when doctors put healthy stem cells into someone's bloodstream to replace their stem cells. Find out what to expect from the experts at ÌÇÐÄVlog KidsHealth®.
Gene therapy involves using genes to fight or prevent diseases, either by replacing a gene, adding a gene or blocking a gene that isn’t working right.Ìý
Excellence in Advanced Cellular Therapy for Kids
Through our network of specialists and research partnerships, we make stem cell transplant and cutting-edge cellular therapies accessible while maintaining some of the nation's highest survival rates.
3
Regional blood disorder center locations in Delaware and Florida
Top 25
Ranked nationally for cancer care byÌýU.S. News & World ReportÌý(¶Ù±ð±ô²¹·É²¹°ù±ð)
1st
Among the first pediatric center to offer CAR-T cell therapy for leukemia
We're aÌýFACT-accredited stem cell transplant center,Ìýmeeting the highest standards for cellular therapy care.
OurÌýprogram offers all forms of stem cell transplantation, including specialized approaches for rare conditions.
We'reÌýamong the first centers nationwide to offer CAR-T cell therapyÌýfor pediatric leukemia.
OurÌýdedicated cellular therapy unit provides specialized careÌýin a protected environment.
We maintainÌýsurvival rates that exceed national averagesÌýfor both autologous and allogeneic transplants.
Meet Our Stem Cell Transplant & Cellular Therapy Team
Your child's success is our mission. Every member of our stem cell transplant and cellular therapy team is committed to providing not just advanced treatment, but truly life-changing care for kids.Ìý
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Kelly Anne Ryan, MD
Cardiac Anesthesia Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Ellen A. Spurrier, MD
Cardiac Anesthesia Chief, Division of Cardiac Anesthesiology Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE
Comprehensive Cellular Therapy Services
ÌÇÐÄVlog Children's offers innovative therapies and pediatric expertise. From standard transplant approaches to the most promising cellular treatments only available through clinical trials, we carefully select and customize each therapy to give each child the best possible results.
Your child's care team includes specialists in stem cell collection, processing, and transplantation. We work with experts who manage side effects and support your child's recovery. This complete approach is why our outcomes are among the best in the nation.Ìý
Treatment Options
Generally, stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy involves collecting cells, processing or modifying these cells in a laboratory, preparing the body to receive the cells, and returning the cells through infusion (intravenously, or through an IV). ÌÇÐÄVlog offers a variety of treatment options for kids with blood disorders.
Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplantation
- Autologous transplants, using a child's own stem cells, collected and stored during remission. This approach reduces the risk of rejection and is often used for solid tumors and some blood cancers. Our advanced cell processing laboratory ensures the highest quality cell preservation.
- Allogeneic transplants, using cells from a matched donor, like a sibling or unrelated volunteer. We have access to the national donor registry and sophisticated matching methods to find the best possible donor. This option is often used for leukemia, lymphoma, and bone marrow failure conditions.
- Cord blood transplants, using blood saved from umbilical cords, which offers a rich source of healthy stem cells. This option can be especially helpful for children who don't have a matched donor.Ìý
- Haploidentical transplants, using partially matched family donor cells, often from a parent. We’ve developed approaches to reduce complications, making transplant possible for children who lack a fully matched donor.
CAR-T Cell Therapy
CAR-T cell therapy involves collecting and modifying a child’s own immune cells to fight cancer. We're among the first centers nationwide to offer this breakthrough immunotherapy. Our program:
- Uses the latest techniques to minimize side effects.
- Provides expert management of immune responses.
- Offers this treatment for specific types of leukemia and lymphoma.
- Participates in clinical trials to expand treatment options not available everywhere.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy targets the underlying genetic causes of diseases like sickle cell, thalassemia, and bone marrow failure syndromes. It works by introducing healthy genes to replace or modify ones that don’t work as they should. Our program:
- Offers access to clinical trial treatments often years before they become widely available.
- Provides therapies that can offer long-term benefits from a single dose.
- Uses advanced methods to precisely deliver genes to targeted cells.
- Combines gene therapy with other treatments for the best results.
Other Advanced Cellular Therapies
We stay at the forefront of cellular therapy development. We offer different therapies, such as:Ìý
- Donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI). Targeted immune cell therapy to prevent or treat disease relapse after stem cell transplant. We use precise cell selection methods to maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
- Mesenchymal stem cell therapy. Specialized cells that can help repair tissues and reduce inflammation. Often used to treat graft-versus-host disease and promote healing after transplant.
- Natural killer (NK) cell therapy. Enhanced immune cells that can fight cancer directly. Our program offers both standard and experimental NK cell treatments through clinical trials.
- Virus-specific T cell therapy. Custom-made immune cells that target specific viral infections, important for patients after transplant. We're one of few pediatric centers offering this specialized treatment.
Comprehensive Support Services
ÌÇÐÄVlog provides extensive services that support recovery and improve outcomes, including:
- Specialized nursing care. Dedicated transplant-trained nurses who are highly skilled in pediatric care.
- Infection prevention. State-of-the-art protective environment for the best possible outcomes.
- Fertility preservation. In Delaware, we offer advanced options to protect future fertility.
- Nutritional support. Specialized dietary care during treatment to keep kids healthy and strong.
- Psychological support. Expert counseling for patients and families for coping strategies and support.
- Child Life programming. Play and creative therapies to help kids and families understand the process and find normalcy.
- School services. Educational support during extended stays and help with transition back to the classroom.
- Long-term follow-up. Dedicated care to minimize complications and promote healing.
Conditions We Treat
We see a wide range of cancers — far too many to list here. The types of cancers we treat vary depending on the location and providers selected. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.
Related Specialties & Programs
Care for International Families
Find out how the ÌÇÐÄVlog International Medicine Program helps children — no matter where they live — have a healthier and happier future. We’ve cared for hundreds of patients from around the world, in nearly every pediatric specialty. You can count on our expert care and reliable interpreter services. We can assist with housing, transportation and other services too.
Care That Goes Beyond Medicine
When your family comes to ÌÇÐÄVlog, you’re well cared for. We want you to understand your child’s condition and how to help them stay healthy and succeed. We help you find community resources for your family. We also offer many supportive services, like social work, lodging at nearby Ronald McDonald Houses, creative therapies, pet therapy, Child Life programs and much more.
Convenient Follow-Up Appointments by Video
We offer follow-up appointments through scheduled, live video visits. You can avoid waiting rooms and save travel time. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.
What to Expect
Deciding on stem cell transplantation or cellular therapy is a big step for your family. Our team does everything we can to make this process as smooth as possible. Here's what you can expect at each stage of treatment, and how we'll support your family along the way.
Planning Your Child’s Treatment
Our cellular therapy team will evaluate your child and explain the treatment process during your initial visits. You'll meet the team, tour our unit, and have time to ask questions.
We'll guide you through donor selection or cell collection and provide a detailed treatment calendar. Our team will help coordinate medical appointments and family arrangements, including preparing for your child's return home.
General Steps & Timeline
The process differs depending on the type of procedure, the condition we’re treating, and other factors, but you generally can expect the following:
Planning: Consultation with your team, physical examination, medical testing, and donor match.
Conditioning: Including chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to treat the disease and make room for healthy stem cells.
Transplantation: Stem cells are given intravenously, like a blood transfusion, in a special suite in the hospital.
Engraftment: Occurs when stem cells mature and begin to produce blood cells, which can take two to four weeks.
Recovery: Includes a month of inpatient hospital monitoring to anticipate or treat side effects or complications that may arise as the immune system strengthens.
Transition: Help transitioning your child and family throughout the process and from hospital care to home care.
Follow-up: Includes maintaining frequent outpatient or inpatient follow-up care during the crucial first 100-day post-transplant mark, and also longer term.
Life in the Cellular Therapy Unit
Your child will stay in our specialized inpatient unit during treatment. Each private room has advanced filtration to maintain a clean environment, space for a parent to stay overnight. It’s all designed to feel welcoming while providing the highest level of medical care. A dedicated nursing team provides 24/7 care, with daily visits from your doctor and other specialists.
While protecting your child from infection is important, we work to maintain normalcy. Child Life specialists bring age-appropriate activities like music or creative therapy to the bedside, school liaisons help your child stay on top of schoolwork when possible, and physical therapists visit regularly to help maintain strength and mobility.
Recovery & Return Home
We'll prepare you for taking your child home as their immune system recovers. Our team will teach you about maintaining a clean environment, medications, warning signs, dietary guidelines, and returning to normal activities.
You'll receive a detailed discharge plan and direct contact numbers for our team. We'll ensure you're fully comfortable with home care before leaving the hospital and know exactly when to call us.
Long-Term Follow-Up Care
Recovery continues after discharge with regular follow-up visits. Visits become less frequent over time, though our team is always here to support your family.
Our Delaware survivorship program provides long-term care, including monitoring for late effects, health screenings, wellness guidance, and support for returning to normal activities.
More Information for Your Family
Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety about treatment. Explore timely articles written by the experts from ÌÇÐÄVlog KidsHealth. Learn more about:
