In the News

Bruce Blazar, M.D., elected to membership in the Institute of Medicine

Congratulations to Bruce Blazar, M.D., Transplant Biology and Therapy Program member, on his election to membership in the Institute of Medicine at its recent annual meeting. This is one of the highest honors in the medical field, given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional accomplishments and commitment to service.

Pediatric BMT Program doctors publish a new treatment for a painful and lethal skin disease via BMT

In a study published in the August 12th edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, the Pediatric BMT team of Dr. John Wagner, Director, and Dr. Jakub Tolar, reported the amazing results from their first BMT clinical trial to treat Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare, genetic skin disease.

Umbilical Cord Blood is a Transplant Option for Adults with Acute Leukemia

Director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation Dr. John E. Wagner is quoted in the Oncology Times, commenting on a recent article he published on the use of umbilical cord blood for transplantation: "Based on the fact that leukemia-free survival rates are similar with HLA mismatched UCB, we no longer have to think of UCB as a second-line source [of stem cells]." Click here to read the full article.

Leukemia relapse risk drops with 2-unit umbilical cord blood transfusion
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New research by Dr. Michael Verneris shows that transfusion of two rather than one unit of partially HLA-matched umbilical cord blood (UCB) appears to reduce the risk of relapse in leukemia patients in first or second complete remission.

Ranked among the best

University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital cited by U.S. News & World Report

Two units of umbilical cord blood reduce risk of leukemia relapse

Study findings may offer hope to more leukemia patients that they may live cancer-free.