Bone marrow failure

There are two major types of bone marrow failure: genetic, which is inherited from family, and acquired, which is caused by exposure to a virus or toxin in the environment. The MACC Fund Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Wisconsin provides comprehensive care for patients with both types of marrow failure.

Inherited marrow failure

Genetic bone marrow failure syndromes are rare blood disorders that can be associated with a family history of the condition. Patients with genetic marrow failure are at high risk of developing cancer.

Learn more about these syndromes—and how we treat them—on our inherited marrow failure page.

Acquired marrow failure

Among these disorders is aplastic anemia, a rare but serious condition characterized by the body’s inability to produce enough new blood cells. Children’s Wisconsin is home to David Margolis, MD, a nationally renowned aplastic anemia expert and our Pediatrician-in-Chief. Learn more on our aplastic anemia program page.

Other acquired marrow failure disorders include paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, which is an impaired production of blood cells, and certain neutropenias, which are disorders characterized by an abnormally low amount of certain white blood cells.

Our care

Treatment for marrow failure can vary depending on whether the condition is inherited or acquired, as well as other factors. Treatment options include blood and marrow transplant and medical therapy. Our expert clinical team of board-certified physicians, advanced practice providers and nurses will guide your family through every step of the treatment process.

Our research

We also have a research team dedicated to uncovering the newest and most promising breakthroughs in marrow failure treatment. One recent initiative involves using a novel chemotherapy drug Treosulfan that has less toxicity and higher success rates than previous drugs for bone marrow transplants in patients with marrow failure.

Call (414) 266-2420 for more information or to make an appointment.