Texas Oncology Performs Extremely Rare Cord Blood Transplant
Caden Ledbetter Receives His Own Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells to Treat Neuroblastoma
Texas Oncology pediatric oncologists in Dallas recently performed an extremely rare cord blood stem cell transplant on patient Caden Ledbetter, using his own banked cord blood to fight neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. This extraordinary procedure was among the first of its kind performed in the world.
“Our practice is dedicated to caring for kids, and we love it. As part of Texas Oncology, we have access to state-of-the-art therapies necessary for treating children. Caden’s case takes us to the pinnacle of our field, and will help us continue to provide the highest level of care for our young patients.”
— Dr. Stan Goldman, Pediatric Oncologist
After his mother discovered a lump on his head, two-year-old Caden Ledbetter was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on July 28, 2007, just five days shy of his second birthday. His parents immediately turned to Texas Oncology physicians Drs. Stan Goldman, Carl Lenarsky, and Joel Weinthal, who began treatment for Caden, which included chemotherapy and surgery.
Caden’s parents had stored his umbilical cord blood after his birth with a private cord blood bank. That umbilical cord blood, which is rich in cancer-fighting stem cells, may save Caden’s life.
“We were excited to learn Caden’s cord blood was banked. As pediatric oncologists, we have experience successfully treating kids using stem cell transplants, but never the opportunity to help a patient with a patient’s own cord blood.”
— Dr. Joel Weinthal, Pediatric Oncologist
On Dec. 28, 2007, after five months of treatment to destroy the cancer, stem cells from Caden’s cord blood were transplanted into his body. At this time, Caden’s prognosis is positive, as he remains hospitalized in isolation to allow the stem cells time to grow into new cells and replenish his immune system.
“We are a collaborative team working in our patients’ best interests to achieve successful results. Our treatment plan for Caden is an example of the actions we attempt to take for every child we treat.”
— Dr. Carl Lenarsky, Pediatric Oncologist
For Drs. Goldman, Lenarsky, and Weinthal, who work as a collaborative team, the stored stem cells offered a unique and groundbreaking treatment for this form of pediatric cancer. This rare procedure truly is a medical breakthrough and will help oncologists to find new and innovative ways to treat pediatric patients with cancer.
Read more about this groundbreaking procedure and how you can help Caden: