UC Davis Health’s stem cell transplant program and its pediatric bone marrow transplant program received reaccreditation in 2025 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 program has received FACT accreditation since UC Davis Health revived the program in 2023.
“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.”
Located at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, the program offers a full spectrum of transplant and cellular therapy options, including autologous and allogeneic transplants. Autologous transplants are when healthy stem cells from a patient are collected prior to cancer treatment and then re-infused. Allogenic transplants are when donor cells are infused, either from a donor registry or from a family member.
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 director of UC Davis Health’s Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplantation Division. “It assures our patients that UC Davis Health meets the highest international standards in cellular therapy.”
UC Davis Health’s pediatric bone barrow 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.
