City of Hope Atlanta Earns Elite Accreditation, Boosting Regional Cancer Care

ATLANTA, GA – May 20, 2026 – City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta has achieved a prestigious international accreditation for its bone marrow transplant program, a milestone that validates its clinical excellence and significantly expands access to life-saving cellular therapies for patients across Georgia and the Southeast.

The center announced it has been awarded accreditation by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), a globally recognized body that certifies programs meeting the most rigorous standards in cancer treatment. This achievement cements the Atlanta facility's position as a key provider of advanced care for complex blood cancers and solidifies a system-wide standard of excellence for its parent organization, a national leader in cancer research and treatment.

A New Standard of Care South of the City

For patients in Georgia, the accreditation is more than a certificate on a wall; it represents a crucial expansion of accessible, world-class care. City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta is home to the state's only bone marrow transplantation (BMT) program located south of downtown Atlanta, filling a significant geographic gap in specialized oncology services. Previously, many patients in the southern part of the state and neighboring regions faced the daunting prospect of traveling long distances for such complex procedures, adding immense physical, emotional, and financial strain during an already challenging time.

While the Atlanta metropolitan area is served by other renowned, FACT-accredited BMT programs at institutions like Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute and Northside Hospital, the establishment of this high-caliber program in a new location is a strategic move to decentralize and democratize access to critical therapies.

“Bone marrow transplant is one of the most complex and powerful tools we have to treat blood cancers,” said Leslie L. Popplewell, M.D., Chief of Hematology at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta. Dr. Popplewell was instrumental in launching the BMT program to serve the region. “FACT accreditation reflects the depth of expertise, coordination and quality required to deliver that care safely and effectively. Most importantly, it means patients in Georgia and across the Southeast can access this level of care without having to leave their community.”

The Gold Standard in Cellular Therapy

Achieving FACT accreditation is a demanding process that underscores a facility's commitment to the highest echelons of patient safety and treatment efficacy. The standards are not merely regulatory hurdles but a comprehensive framework governing every facet of cellular therapy. This includes meticulous protocols for patient care and evaluation, donor management, the collection and processing of cells, and the final administration of the therapy.

The accreditation serves as an independent, international seal of approval, assuring patients and referring physicians that the program operates at a globally recognized standard of excellence. It signifies that the clinical, collection, and laboratory components work in a seamlessly integrated fashion to minimize risks and optimize outcomes for treatments like bone marrow transplants, which are used for blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

“For 50 years, City of Hope has pushed the boundaries of science to improve outcomes for patients with blood cancers. Additionally, we are defined by the compassionate, personalized manner by which we deliver that care,” said Vijay Trisal, M.D., System Chief Clinical Officer for City of Hope. “Achieving FACT accreditation in Atlanta is a powerful reflection of that legacy and of our commitment to bringing world-class, life-saving care closer to home for patients across Georgia and the Southeast.”

A Survivor's Story: The Importance of Specialized Expertise

The profound impact of having such specialized expertise available locally is powerfully illustrated by the journey of Calvin “Otis” Hitchcock, a firefighter from Statesboro, Georgia. In 2022, at the age of 42, a routine physical revealed abnormal bloodwork. Despite being healthy and active, Hitchcock was misdiagnosed at another facility and spent nearly a year undergoing incorrect and debilitating treatments that forced him to step away from his beloved career in the fire service.

Unwilling to accept his deteriorating condition, Hitchcock sought a second opinion. A firefighter-affiliated cancer foundation guided him to City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta and the specialized team led by Dr. Popplewell. There, he finally received a correct diagnosis: lymphoma.

“Not only did City of Hope have the expertise to give me the right diagnosis, but for the first time, I felt really listened to,” Hitchcock shared. “They didn’t just treat my cancer – they treated me like a person first.”

After undergoing intensive, appropriate treatment, Hitchcock is now thriving. He has dedicated himself to educating fellow first responders about their elevated cancer risks and the critical importance of patient self-advocacy. He now travels across the state as a director at the Georgia Firefighter Association, sharing his experience.

“What I tell everyone is don’t be afraid to ask questions or get a second opinion,” he said. “Having the right team behind you can change everything and could save your life.”

A National Legacy of Innovation

The accreditation in Atlanta is the latest chapter in a long and distinguished history for the national City of Hope organization. This year marks the 50th anniversary of its BMT program, which began in 1976 and has since grown into one of the largest and most successful in the United States. The institution has performed over 20,000 transplants across its network, consistently earning recognition for exceptional survival rates from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR). For 15 consecutive years, its national program has reported one-year survival rates that exceed expectations.

This success is built on a foundation of relentless research and innovation. The organization has been a pioneer in developing safer transplant methods, reducing treatment toxicity, preventing post-transplant complications, and integrating cutting-edge treatments like CAR T-cell therapy. With the Atlanta center’s achievement, every BMT program across City of Hope’s national system is now FACT-accredited, ensuring a consistent, high-quality standard of care for patients in California, Arizona, Illinois, and Georgia.

This system-wide excellence underscores a core mission to not only develop breakthroughs but also deliver them effectively and compassionately. As Dr. Trisal noted, the ultimate focus remains on the individuals they serve.

“Patients like Calvin remind us why this work matters and why we will continue leading the way to new possibilities in cancer care,” he said.