Blood Disorders Center

Patients with hemophilia are treated through the
Boston Hemophilia Center, the largest hemophilia
treatment center in New England.

The Blood Disorders Center at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's provides comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and preventive services for a wide range of non-malignant blood disorders. Your child will receive care from some of the world’s most experienced hematologists with deep experience in the conditions they treat.

With locations in Boston, Lexington, Peabody, Waltham and Weymouth, MA; Dana-Farber/Boston Children's provides patients access to world-class treatment, including:

• World-renown specialists: Our hematologists are internationally recognized and considered leaders in their clinical fields. Many of our physicians are also researchers, which means your child will have access to the most cutting-edge treatment options.

• Research and clinical trials: We offer innovative treatment options and clinical trials. Our laboratory discoveries frequently lead to new clinical treatments that minimize the impact of these often lifelong conditions. Our physicians lead many National Institutes of Health-sponsored clinical trials and networks overseeing studies for thalassemia, transfusion medicine, hemostasis, sickle cell disease, and more.

• Advanced diagnostic techniques: Our team includes expert hematopathologists (pathologists who specialize in childhood blood disorders). We are able to deliver quick and accurate diagnosis from our CAP/CLIA-certified pathology laboratory, which delivers the highest quality results.

• Genetic testing: We provide genetic profiling of bone marrow failure and related disorders, as well as germline genetic testing to look for inherited genetic abnormalities that increase a child's risk of developing certain blood disorders. Our genetic counselors can advise families on any genetic implications of their child's illness.

• Blood transfusions and iron chelation: We perform thousands of blood transfusions each year, and have expertise in treating iron overload, the leading side effect of chronic blood transfusions. We provide annual transfusional iron overload evaluations to ensure that children receive the most effective and appropriate transfusion and iron chelation regimens over time.

• Stem cell transplant: We offer one of the largest and most experienced pediatric stem cell transplant centers in the world. Our state-of-the-art stem cell transplant facility is designed specifically for children and teens undergoing stem cell transplant — minimizing their exposure to harmful toxins and germs without preventing their freedom to leave their room or interact with family and friends.

• Second opinions: We offer expert second opinions (in-person or online) for complex medical questions or decisions regarding a new diagnosis or treatment plan for your child.

• Family-centered care: We believe the family is the most important source of emotional support and comfort for children, and we acknowledge family members as vital members of our health care team. We provide teaching materials about topics such as preventive measures and early indicators of complications, which help families manage home and long-term health care needs.

Our Treatment Teams

For each of our patients, we assemble a team that can develop the most appropriate treatment plan. A typical patient-care team will include:

• Pediatric hematologist/oncologists
• Pediatric hematopathologists
• Pediatric hematology nurse practitioners
• Designated hematology patient coordinators
• Social workers, child life specialists, psychologists, and clinical dieticians

Our team also draws on the expertise and knowledge of a variety of subspecialists and support staff, including specialists in genetics and pediatric stem cell transplant. Meet our team of pediatric hematologists.