Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program
Stem cell transplant, also known as bone marrow transplant, offers the hope of a cure for many life-threatening diseases. It can also be a long and emotional process. We understand the hopes and fears you will face when deciding on a stem cell transplant for your child.
Our promise at Monroe Carell is to be with you at every step, from initial consultation to long-term follow-up. We coordinate appointments and family support, listen to your concerns and answer your questions.
Conditions We Treat
We treat many pediatric cancers using stem cell and cellular therapy, including:
- Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)
- Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS)
- Bone marrow failure syndromes
Meet Your Care Team
James A. ConnellyMD, BS
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Pediatric Genetics, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Pediatric Immunodeficiency, Pediatric Metabolic Disorders, Sickle Cell Disease, Stem Cell Transplant
Richard H. HoMD, MSCI
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Stem Cell Transplant
Why Choose the Stem Cell Transplant Program at Monroe Carell
- Recognized care
The Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy has accredited our program since 2001 for high-quality patient care and laboratory performance. Vanderbilt is also a recognized transplant center by the National Marrow Donor Program, and a member of the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium.
- Exclusive care
We are the only stem cell transplant program in the State of Tennessee to offer chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell and metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) therapies. We are also one of 10 Novartis Centers for CAR T-cell for leukemia in the nation.
- Coordinated care
Our team also improves your child’s care with help from our outstanding colleagues in other areas of pediatric care including hematology and oncology sub-specialists, infectious disease, radiology, nephrology experts and many others here at Monroe Carell and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Our physicians are actively engaged in research to improve the outcomes of children that need a stem cell transplant. We offer families the opportunity to participate in several innovative clinical trials.
- Experienced care
Your care team includes three doctors focused exclusively on stem cell transplants in children, teens and young adults. Drs. Kitko, Ho and Connelly have been performing stem cell transplants since 2006. They have helped care for over 450 allogeneic transplant patients, including 55 transplants for patients with immunodeficiencies. Our physicians are dedicated to improving the outcome of children who need stem cell transplants. They have particular expertise in both malignant and non-malignant indications for transplant as well as several important post-transplant complications such as graft-versus-host disease. Our team is able to perform both autologous (using a patient’s own stem cells) and allogeneic (using someone else’s stem cells) transplants.
- Dedicated care
Becky Manes, our program coordinator with more than 20 years of nursing experience, is your point of contact for medical services and support, particularly as you prepare for the transplant process. Our transplant team is committed to the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of our patients. We never forget that families are part of our team, along with Child Life specialists, financial counseling, the Family Resource Center, the hospital school program and pastoral care.
Tests, Treatments and Services
We offer a full range of tests, treatments and services, including: