Hematology Gene and Cell Therapy Clinic

The Hematology Gene and Cell Therapy Clinic at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital cares for patients with sickle cell disease who are getting bone marrow (stem cell) transplants or gene therapy, or are thinking about these treatments. Patients must get a referral to this clinic from the hematology care team. Our team of experts guides families through each step of their treatment experience. 

This care includes: 

• Checkups and testing before treatment 
• Care during treatment 
• Follow-up visits after treatment 
• Support services 

Patients get their care in 1 place. Our team works together to make a treatment plan that fits your child’s personal needs. This helps you get the right care and support at each step. 

The clinic is part of the Hematology Gene and Cell Therapy Program. The program provides care that goes beyond clinic visits to support patients throughout their treatment.

Services we provide

Our services include:  

• Specialized medical care: Experts in stem cell transplant and gene therapy for sickle cell disease 
• Education: Teaching about sickle cell disease and your treatment options 
• Screening: Tests to prepare for treatment 
• Treatment management: Guidance and care during stem cell transplants or gene therapy 
• Long-term follow-up: Checkups and support after therapy 
• Team of specialists: Heart, lung, kidney, brain, and pain specialists as needed 
• Emotional, social, and mental health support: Psychologists, social workers, child life specialists, and chaplains to help families manage daily life and challenges 
• Fertility counseling: Support to help protect the ability to have children in the future 
• School support: Teachers to help children stay on track in school 

Your Hematology Cell and Gene Therapy Clinic team

Our team is made up of experienced care providers in sickle cell disease treatment, stem cell transplant, gene therapy, and supportive care: 

• Doctors: Have specialized training in blood disorders and stem cell transplant. They order and interpret lab tests, manage medicines, and carry out gene therapy. 
• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants: Perform physical exams, order and interpret lab tests, manage medicines, and carry out personalized treatment and care plans  
• Nurses: Prepare patients for treatment, provide daily care, and teach families about treatment and care 
• Care coordinator: Acts as the point of contact for patients and families. They coordinate appointments and schedule changes, ensure clear communication among teams, and provide support before, during, and after treatment. 
• Pharmacists: Review and manage medicines, and provide education 
• Psychologists: Provide in-depth mental health assessment, counseling, and decision-making support. They help patients and families understand care decision options, build coping skills, and manage mental health and behavior concerns during treatment.  
• Social workers: Provide emotional and practical support. This includes finding resources and helping with daily details, planning, and coping with the challenges of having a child with sickle cell disease. 
• Rehabilitation therapists: Help patients do everyday activities, including play, so they can be as independent as possible  
• Child life specialists: Explain what is happening in terms children and teens can understand and create opportunities to keep life as normal as possible 
• Teachers: Help patients keep up with school during treatment  
• Chaplains: Provide spiritual care 

What to expect during your visit

Our team will work with you to learn about your child’s health. We will talk with you about treatment options. Some families come to learn and ask questions. Your child may not need checkups or tests at first. 

If you decide to move forward with treatment, your child will have:  

• Physical exams 
• Lab tests 
• Imaging tests 
• Discussions with specialists and support services  

We focus on your child’s personal needs. Our team will share test results and guide you through the next steps.

Learn more

Contact: Hematology Gene and Cell Therapy coordinator at 901-595-5678