In Memory of Dr. John Hansen
By Andra Moehring, MHA, FACT Standards Development Manager
Dr. John Hansen has made major contributions to the development of bone marrow transplantation, which has now offered the chance for a cure to over a million people worldwide.
Photo by Robert Hood / Fred Hutch
Dr. John Hansen, physician scientist and emeritus faculty member of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, died of pancreatic cancer on July 31, 2019. Dr. Hansen was well known for his innumerable contributions to the field of blood and marrow transplantation, his pioneering research and discoveries in Immunogenetics, his pivotal role in establishment of global registries of potential unrelated stem cell donors, and his generosity in mentoring others.
Dr. Hansen was also a founding member of the volunteer expert panel that became FACT’s Histocompatibility Committee, responsible for development of the guidelines by which to measure organizations that accredit histocompatibility services in hematopoietic cellular therapy. FACT accreditation of clinical transplant programs and cord blood banks requires histocompatibility laboratories to meet appropriate standards. As FACT extends accreditation services globally, these histocompatibility guidelines are critical to advancing quality care for patients. Dr. Hansen’s foundational contributions and willingness to share his expertise will continue to impact patients and the cellular therapy field worldwide.
