In 2024, Arkansas Children’s cancer and blood disorders team completed the final steps to become fully accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) by meeting the highest international standards of care for allogeneic stem cell transplants and bone marrow harvesting. This recognition followed FACT accreditation for autologous stem cell transplants and peripheral blood stem cell collection received by the team in 2022. In between those announcements, in 2023, Arkansas Children’s partnered with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Baptist Health and Proton International to open the Proton Center of Arkansas, adding another dimension to our cancer care options.
Full FACT accreditation and certification as a CAR T-cell therapy site means Arkansas Children’s fills a crucial regional care gap. Many surrounding states lack the resources or accreditation to provide comprehensive services. Accreditation grants access to innovative clinical trials organized by organizations like the Children’s Oncology Group.
Many health insurance plans use FACT accreditation as a factor when designating “Centers of Excellence” and determining reimbursement, which can impact patients’ ability to receive certain treatments based on insurance coverage. FACT’s stamp of approval also communicates to parents and other providers that the care team at Arkansas Children’s is a viable option for second opinions and consultations.
Arkansas Children’s leadership fully supported efforts to achieve FACT accreditation for allogeneic transplants. That support allowed the cancer and blood disorders team to make infrastructure changes, like adding clinic space and positive pressure rooms. However, the most significant investment was in the team.
Arkansas Children’s THRIVE Clinic, a multidisciplinary survivorship program, supports patients with resources for decreasing disruptions of newfound normalcy for up to 10 years post-treatment.
