Pediatric and Adolescent Cancer & Blood Diseases Department
Our team cares for patients with a variety of serious childhood diseases, from pediatric oncology to blood disorders. Specifically, these include leukemia/lymphoma, brain tumors, musculoskeletal and soft tissue tumors, tumors of the kidney and liver, tumors of the eye, rare tumors, Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis as well as a host of blood disorders, including hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, and common and rare anemias. While we tend to the serious medical issues with which an ill child or teenager is faced, the spirit of family-centered care guides the our care team from the start.
Our Team: Medical Work, Medical Play
The primary care team includes pediatric oncology/hematology physicians, nurses, surgeons and radiotherapists. To meet all the needs of our patients, the multidisciplinary team includes social workers, psychologists, child life specialists and art therapists who help children understand and comply with medical and surgical procedures through play, art and other expressive activities. Although these patients require the specialized skills of many professionals throughout Cleveland Clinic, the Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology is considered their "medical home."
Designed to inspire comfort and peace of mind, the newly renovated department is genuinely inviting. The space, which is more than three times its previous size, includes 14 treatment rooms equipped with plenty of activities (including computers!) for kids and parents, a conference room for private time with families, and a patient and family library. In addition to a children's waiting area, the space includes a separate teen waiting area where older kids can enjoy using computers to play games or watch a movie, a foosball table and a karaoke machine.
Cancer Care
Childhood cancer is one of medicine's true success stories; there has never been a more exciting time in pediatric oncology. Eighty percent of children diagnosed with cancer survive their disease and go on to live productive lives. Forty years ago, that figure was 40 percent. The Cancer Care Program at The Children's Hospital is organized around making sure that each child is given the best possible chance to lead a normal, healthy childhood and life.
State-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities allow us to treat cancers that only a short time ago were considered untreatable. Additionally, our participation in the Children's Oncology Group and other clinical trials gives pediatric oncology patients access to more than 100 national trials at any given time. Visit the Children's Oncology Group site .
For our cancer patients, our goals include minimizing pain and suffering, with a focus on keeping life as normal as possible. For their siblings, we offer special attention and reassurance. We help frightened parents make complex decisions and gain confidence in moving forward. We work to enhance quality of life for everyone as much as possible. And we have a comprehensive long-term follow-up clinic that sends survivors into the world with a working knowledge of their health care issues.
Sibling Outreach Program
This program is supported by a grant from the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. To learn more, or to join in our Sibling Groups please contact Tara Malbasa, CNP (216.444.8356), or Margaret Richards, PhD (216.445.2450). Download our flyer. (PDF)
Children's Cancer Answer Line
216.444.5517 or 800.223.2273, ext. 45517, select option 1
The Pediatric and Adolescent Cancer Center offers the Children's Cancer Answer Line, a toll-free service that enables parents and patients to talk directly with an oncology nurse to address concerns and assist in making appointments with appropriate cancer specialists.
The Pediatric and Adolescent Cancer Center offers the Children's Cancer Answer Line, a toll-free Information/Appointments
216.444.5517 or 800.223.2273, ext. 45517
Brain Tumor Clinic
216.444.5517 or 800.223.2273, ext. 45517
