The Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland is at the forefront of research to develop new treatments for thalassemia. It is one of the few NIH-funded centers in the nation. Over the 25 years of its existence, the Center has had a major impact on the care of thalassemia both nationally and internationally. Dr. Ashutosh Lal is the Director of the Program.
Services we provide
Once universally fatal, today thalassemia can be treated as a chronic disease. The major cause of illness and mortality has shifted from hemoglobin-deficient anemia to iron overload associated with chronic blood transfusion therapy. Children’s offers families a range of therapies to monitor and enhance hemoglobin levels, maintain and improve chelation therapy, and provide support for patients and their families with thalassemia. With medical advances, leading-edge technology, and scientific research, children with thalassemia are living well into adulthood. As a result, we also provide care to adults with thalassemia. Each year we host a thalassemia retreat, the only one of its kind that offers psychosocial support to teens and adults from around the country.
Comprehensive care
Children’s emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to maintaining good health. We have specialty cardiac, liver, endocrine, vision, dental, audiology (hearing) and nutrition clinics. In addition, specialized nurses, social workers, genetic counselors, teachers, child life specialists, psychologists and other healthcare professionals work closely with the medical staff to provide support to patients and their families.
Our facilities
- 20-bed day transfusion and chemotherapy unit, including a pheresis program
- 25 inpatient beds on the hematology/ oncology unit with private, filtered-air isolation rooms
- A bone marrow transplant unit and available housing for families during a child’s extended treatment.
- A multi-disciplinary intrauterine therapy center for alpha thalassemia major.
Research
Children’s Hospital has a renowned thalassemia research program. Our research allows us to offer patients and families the most up-to-date and innovative therapies. Research done at Children’s has led to many advances in thalassemia treatment. As part of each thalassemia patient’s care, we consult with your family about studies your child may be qualified to participate in. Patients are never obligated to join any study; if a family chooses not to participate in a study, their child will still receive high quality healthcare. Our research and clinical teams work together to provide the highest quality, integrated healthcare possible. We look forward to talking to you and your family about research studies available for patients.