Pediatric oncology

In our outpatient center for children, our pediatric oncologists and support staff offer infusion services for administering chemotherapy, biotherapies, antibiotics and other medicines. We use modern diagnostic technology and surgical techniques to ensure your child receives the best treatment possible.

We also offer additional cancer services and resources, including:

• Assistance with chemotherapy effects
• Childhood cancer survivorship guidance
• Nutritional planning
• Ongoing health checkups
• Patient and family support
• Stress management

Clinical trials

A clinical trial is an organized method to learn the best way to treat cancer, minimize the short-term and long-term effects of treatment and discover ways to prevent it. Among the fastest and safest ways to find treatments, all cancer drugs in use today were tested and made available to patients through clinical trials. Largely because of this research, the childhood cancer mortality rate has decreased by more than 50 percent in the last 40 years.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer by a pediatric cancer specialist, families want them to have the best and most advanced treatment possible. One way our teams ensure this is by being a member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) and by participating in clinical trials they offer to qualified candidates.

As the world’s largest children’s cancer research group, COG unites researchers at more than 200 leading children’s hospitals and cancer centers. This means your child has complete access to the latest research and world-class treatments. We believe that by participating in a clinical study, your child is not only being treated by their pediatric oncology doctor but also by an entire team of leading pediatric cancer experts.

To qualify for a particular study, all children must meet a carefully defined set of criteria. These usually relate to age, cancer type and disease stage.

Our pediatric hematologists provide full-service care for noncancerous blood disorders. Being diagnosed with a blood disorder means part of your child's blood is unable to do its job correctly, like not carrying enough oxygen to the rest of your body or not clotting properly. Blood disorders can be genetic or develop due to dietary issues or as a side effect of other diseases.

Symptoms of pediatric blood disorders

There are multiple signs that may indicate your child has developed a blood disorder, including:

• Bleeding that is hard to control
• Easy bruising
• Frequent or unexplained nosebleeds
• Ongoing tiredness
• Wounds that don't heal properly

Diagnosing pediatric blood disorders

We do thorough examinations and diagnostic testing to accurately determine your loved one's condition and develop a customized treatment plan. While your child’s medical needs are at the forefront of any care plan we create, we understand and consider the emotional concerns and needs of your family as well.

Treating pediatric blood disorders

Certain blood diseases can be managed with straightforward approaches, like dietary changes or even simply keeping a watchful eye out for increased or more severe symptoms. We also offer other types of treatment options, including antibiotics, blood transfusions and infusion therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the spleen or gallbladder if those organs are contributing to your child’s condition.

Our teams will take the time to discuss the best treatment plan for your child and work with their pediatrician to ensure they receive the most comprehensive care possible.