UC Davis Health earns FACT accreditation for adult, pediatric stem cell transplant programs

The Stem Cell Transplant Program and Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program at UC Davis Health have received reaccreditation this month from the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). A globally recognized organization, FACT sets standards for high quality medical and laboratory practices in transplantation and cellular therapies.

This is the first year the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program has received FACT accreditation since the program was rejuvenated in 2023.

The dual reaccreditation affirms that UC Davis Health continuously meets or exceeds international standards for stem cell collections, processing and complete care during the patient's entire transplant journey.

"Serving the kids in our region is what drives us every day," said Lisa Madden, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist who leads the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program at UC Davis Health. "It's so rewarding. The look on parents' faces and the quality of relief they express when they hear they can stay here for transplant makes everything worthwhile. And when we do get patients from far away as we develop novel therapies, our goal as a team is to make them feel at home."

Located at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program offers a full spectrum of transplant and cellular therapy options including autologous, allogeneic related and allogeneic unrelated donor transplants. The program is also designated a National Marrow Donor Program Transplant Center, providing access to a global network of stem cell donors and cord blood units.

"FACT accreditation is a testament to the exceptional quality and dedication of our stem cell transplant teams," said Joseph Tuscano, the UC Davis Health director of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy . "It assures our patients that UC Davis Health meets the highest international standards in cellular therapy - from initial evaluation through post-transplant care. This recognition reinforces UC Davis Health's commitment to providing world-class, compassionate care right here in our community."

The Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Program is the only provider of pediatric stem cell transplantation in the Sacramento area. It offers advanced therapies for high-risk leukemia, hemoglobin disorders, metabolic diseases and immune deficiencies. The pediatric program benefits from the expertise and resources developed by the UC Davis Health adult stem cell transplant and the Regenerative Cures at UC Davis Health colleagues.

FACT is the only accrediting agency that addresses all quality aspects of cellular therapy and cord blood banking including collection, processing, and administration. UC Davis Health is one of 319 FACT accredited organizations in the U.S.