The Vermont Cancer Center's Stem Cell Transplant Program …

October 14, 2013

Sarah Keblin Vermont Cancer Center University of Vermont (802) 656-3099

Michael Carrese Fletcher Allen Health Care (802) 847-2886

The Vermont Cancer Centers Stem Cell Transplant Program at Fletcher Allen Health Care recently received accreditation by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) located at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

FACT accreditation is validation for the programs outstanding capabilities and quality in treating patients with leukemia, lymphoma and other forms of cancer with stem cell therapy. The accreditation specifically recognizes quality in autologous adult stem cell transplantation - in which healthy stem cells are collected from an individual and re-introduced to that person as well as cell collection, and cell processing.

Stem cells are typically found in bone marrow and the bloodstream and help form the critically important red and white blood cells and platelets often destroyed by high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy treatments for cancer. Stem cell transplants following these therapies support the bone marrows ability to produce the blood cells the patient needs.

This accreditation validates an already strong program with a history of excellence and recognizes our organizations daily commitment to high-quality patient care within the adult stem cell transplant program, said Julian Sprague, M.D., assistant professor of Medicine in the division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Vermont and Fletcher Allen, and director of the Stem Cell Transplant Program at the Vermont Cancer Center.

Accreditation by FACT brings with it notable advantages for the Vermont Cancer Center, its partners, and the patients they serve. Adherence to FACT standards is increasingly necessary for both health insurance and government funding eligibility and will provide opportunities for the academic medical center to invest further in research, and to expand its services, in cellular therapies. In just the last week, in response to this accreditation, one of Vermonts major insurance plans has approved the program for reimbursement, increasing coverage and access for patients here in Vermont and the region to receive this life-saving treatment.

Patients seek FACT accredited programs when looking for care, and we know that enabling patients to receive treatment close to home is highly advantageous in helping them to maintain a normal life and also in increasing positive outcomes for them and their families, said Sprague. Im incredibly proud of the team here at Fletcher Allen and the Vermont Cancer Center and what they have done and will continue to do for patients.

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The Vermont Cancer Center's Stem Cell Transplant Program ...