Dr. Crystal Mackall
BS, MD
Ernest and Amelia Gallo Family Professor of Paediatrics and Medicine
corporate_fareStanford Medicine, Stanford University
Crystal Mackall
BS, MD
Dr. Crystal L. Mackall is the Ernest and Amelia Gallo Family Professor of Paediatrics and Medicine at Stanford University and the Founding Director of the Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy. She is internationally recognised for pioneering CAR T-cell therapy and adoptive cell therapy, particularly for children and young adults with cancers that have limited treatment options.
Dr. Mackall completed her fellowship training in paediatric haematology and oncology at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, where she subsequently spent 27 years before joining Stanford in 2016, including service as Chief of the NCI Paediatric Oncology Branch. At Stanford she co-leads the Cancer Immunotherapy Program, directs the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at Stanford, and leads the Centre for Cancer Cell Therapy. Her research group has made foundational contributions to understanding T-cell exhaustion as a cause of CAR T-cell failure and has developed exhaustion-resistant and exhaustion-reversal cell-therapy platforms. She has led or co-led first-in-child and early-phase clinical trials spanning CD19 CAR T cells, CD22 CAR T cells, GD2 CAR T cells for diffuse midline glioma, and B7-H3-targeted approaches for solid tumours. Stanford reports she has published more than 300 manuscripts with an h-index of 120 as of January 2026.
CancerFax can coordinate medical-record review and consultation support for international patients seeking an opinion from Dr. Mackall at Stanford Medicine, subject to hospital availability and case acceptance.
Why Consider Dr. Crystal Mackall?
Dr. Mackall is one of the most influential researchers and clinicians in cancer immunotherapy globally. Patients and families dealing with high-risk paediatric cancers or difficult solid tumours may find her expertise in CAR T-cell therapy and immunotherapy clinical trials particularly relevant.
Areas of Specialisation
Research-driven expertise in engineered T-cell therapy and paediatric cancer immunotherapy
Dr. Mackall's clinical and research work spans CAR T-cell therapy, adoptive cell therapy, and immunotherapy for paediatric and selected adult cancers. Her programmes are notable for advancing cellular therapies beyond haematologic cancers into solid tumours and paediatric brain tumours.
CAR T-Cell Therapy
Design, development, and clinical translation of genetically engineered T-cell therapies targeting paediatric and adult cancers.
- arrow_rightCAR T-cell therapy for paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- arrow_rightEarly-phase and first-in-child clinical trial leadership
- arrow_rightStrategies for leukaemia and lymphoma resistant to CD19-targeted therapy
- arrow_rightDual-antigen targeting to reduce antigen-escape relapse
- arrow_rightCAR T-cell approaches for H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma including DIPG
- arrow_rightActive Stanford-sponsored GD2 CAR T-cell trial in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma and spinal diffuse midline glioma (NCT04196413)
- arrow_rightB7-H3-targeted cellular therapy for paediatric solid tumours and brain tumours
- arrow_rightResearch-phase development with clinical translation goals
T-Cell Biology & Resistance Platforms
Mechanistic research on T-cell exhaustion and the development of engineered platforms to overcome CAR T-cell failure.
- arrow_rightIdentification of T-cell exhaustion as a major cause of CAR T-cell failure
- arrow_rightMechanistic studies of IL-7 biology and T-cell homeostasis
- arrow_rightDevelopment of exhaustion-resistant and exhaustion-reversal engineered T-cell platforms
- arrow_rightSynthetic biology approaches for regulatable and safer cellular therapies
Paediatric Cancer Immunotherapy
Comprehensive immunotherapy research and clinical trial leadership for children and young adults with high-risk cancers.
- arrow_rightPaediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- arrow_rightLymphoma resistant to standard therapies
- arrow_rightDiffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma
- arrow_rightCNS malignancies and sarcoma-related immunotherapy research
Procedures & Treatment Approaches
Cellular immunotherapy, clinical trials, and multidisciplinary cancer care
Dr. Mackall's clinical research programme covers CAR T-cell therapy, adoptive cell therapy, cancer vaccines, cytokine-based treatments, and NK-cell immunotherapy, primarily for paediatric cancers and selected solid tumours.
CAR T-Cell & Adoptive Cell Therapy
Medical OncologyGenetically engineered T-cell therapies targeting cancer-specific antigens, including first-in-child and early-phase clinical trials.
Cancer Immunotherapy
Targeted TherapyImmune-based systemic approaches including cancer vaccines, cytokine therapy, and checkpoint-related strategies for eligible patients.
Clinical Trials & Research Programme
MultidisciplinaryEarly-phase and first-in-human or first-in-child trials conducted at Stanford Medicine and previously at the National Cancer Institute.
Second Opinion & Case Review
Second OpinionExpert review of paediatric cancer cases, particularly for complex haematologic malignancies, brain tumours, and solid tumours under consideration for cellular immunotherapy.
Research & Publications
Over 300 peer-reviewed manuscripts and a long record of first-in-child clinical trial leadership
Dr. Mackall has published more than 300 manuscripts with an h-index of 120 as of January 2026, according to Stanford Medicine. Her research spans CAR T-cell therapy, T-cell biology, T-cell exhaustion, adoptive cell therapy, and immunotherapy for paediatric and solid-tumour cancers.
A full list of Dr. Mackall's publications is available via Stanford Medicine's faculty profile and Google Scholar. CancerFax can assist with accessing her research record for case-review purposes.
Education & Training
Dr. Mackall completed her undergraduate and medical training in Ohio, followed by a combined paediatrics and internal medicine residency and a paediatric haematology/oncology fellowship at the National Cancer Institute, NIH.
Clinical Experience
Dr. Mackall spent 27 years at the National Cancer Institute, rising to Chief of the Paediatric Oncology Branch, before joining Stanford in 2016 where she now leads the Centre for Cancer Cell Therapy and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at Stanford.
Languages & International
Dr. Mackall consults in English. Languages spoken beyond English are not publicly listed in official sources.
CancerFax can coordinate professional medical interpreter support for international patients seeking to consult with Dr. Mackall at Stanford Medicine.
CancerFax can coordinate professional medical interpreter support for international patients when required.
How CancerFax Helps You Access Dr. Crystal Mackall
CancerFax is a specialist cancer patient-navigation platform. We help international patients prepare structured medical summaries, assess treatment eligibility, and connect directly with Dr. Crystal Mackall's team — with full coordination from initial inquiry to consultation.
Medical Report Review
Free review of your pathology results, imaging, molecular profiling, and treatment history — prepared as a structured clinical summary for Dr. Crystal Mackall's team.
Treatment Eligibility Screening
CancerFax screens your case for eligibility for treatments and clinical programmes available through Dr. Crystal Mackall before you travel, so you arrive with a clear pathway.
Case Submission
We coordinate direct case submission to Dr. Crystal Mackall's department, including all documentation required for clinical review and appointment scheduling.
Appointment & Consultation Coordination
CancerFax manages appointment scheduling with Dr. Crystal Mackall's team, confirming availability and aligning timelines with your travel plans.
Travel, Visa & Logistics Support
We prepare visa invitation letters, provide hospital-proximity accommodation guidance, and coordinate airport transfers for international patients.
Follow-Up & Continuity of Care
After your consultation or treatment, CancerFax facilitates communication between Dr. Crystal Mackall's team and your home oncologist for seamless post-treatment follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Crystal Mackall
Dr. Crystal Mackall is the Ernest and Amelia Gallo Family Professor of Paediatrics and Medicine at Stanford University and Founding Director of the Stanford Center for Cancer Cell Therapy. She is internationally recognised as a pioneer in CAR T-cell therapy and paediatric cancer immunotherapy, with more than 30 years of research and clinical experience.
Dr. Mackall's verified focus areas include paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, lymphoma, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma, CNS malignancies, paediatric solid tumours, and haematologic malignancies treated through engineered T-cell therapy. Her programme also includes research on sarcoma-related immunotherapy.
CAR T-cell therapy is a form of adoptive cell therapy in which a patient's T cells are genetically engineered to recognise and attack cancer cells. Dr. Mackall is one of the world's leading researchers and clinical trial leaders in CAR T-cell therapy, including CD19, CD22, GD2, and B7-H3-targeted approaches for paediatric cancers. Clinical access depends on eligibility, trial availability, and Stanford Medicine's referral process.
CancerFax can coordinate medical-record review and consultation support for international patients seeking an expert opinion from Dr. Mackall at Stanford Medicine. Clinical access, appointment availability, clinical trial eligibility, and visa or insurance requirements must be confirmed directly with Stanford Medicine.
Submit your medical reports through CancerFax. The CancerFax team will review the documents, prepare the case for submission, and coordinate the next steps with Stanford Medicine, subject to availability and case acceptance. For second opinions, please include pathology reports, imaging studies, molecular or genomic results, and a full treatment history.
Yes. Dr. Mackall has an extensive clinical trial record, including first-in-child trials at the National Cancer Institute and ongoing Stanford-sponsored trials. An active study of GD2 CAR T cells in H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma (NCT04196413) is listed on ClinicalTrials.gov. Eligibility depends on diagnosis, prior treatment history, molecular markers, and trial status at the time of enquiry.
Connect with Crystal Mackall Today
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Medical Disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.