Pediatric Oncology

Compassionate Care , Expert Healing -Comprehensive care for children with cancer and blood disorders

Pediatric oncology is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer in children and adolescents (typically up to 18 years of age). It is a highly specialized field that requires a multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals.Cancer in children differs significantly from cancer in adults in terms of biology, behavior, treatment, and outcomes. Unlike adult cancers, which are often linked to environmental factors or lifestyle, most pediatric cancers are the result of random genetic mutations, and the cause is often unknown.Childhood cancer accounts for approximately 5-6%of all cancers in India . Each year , about 50,000-75,000 children under the age of 18 are diagnosed with cancer in India .

Most Common Childhood Cancers:

1. Leukemias (blood cancers, such as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Acute Myeloid Leukemia)

2. Brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors (e.g., medulloblastoma, gliomas)

3. Lymphomas (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma)

4. Neuroblastoma (affects immature nerve cells, usually in the adrenal glands)

5. Wilms Tumor (a kidney cancer mostly found in young children)

6. Bone Cancers (e.g., osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma)

7. Rhabdomyosarcoma (soft tissue cancer)

8. Retinoblastoma (eye cancer often diagnosed in infants and toddlers)

Common symptoms of childhood cancer :

1. Persistent or recurrent fever without an obvious infection

2. Unexplained weight loss

3. Bruising and bleeding

4. Severe bone or joint pain

5. Unusual lumps or swelling in abdomen or soft tissue or bony swelling

6. Neurological symptoms such as persistent headache , vomiting , vision problems , loss of balance while walking

7. A white reflection in pupil , vision changes

Key Principles of Pediatric Oncology :

1. Comprehensive Care:
Pediatric oncology focuses not only on curing the disease but also on supporting the child’s physical, emotional, and social development. It also involves family-centered care, recognizing the critical role families play in the child’s journey.

2. Multidisciplinary Teams:
Care often requires collaboration between oncologists, pediatric surgeons, social workers, psychologists, nutritionists, and educators.

3. Research and Clinical Trials:
Pediatric oncology is closely tied to ongoing research, as many children participate in clinical trials to improve existing treatments and develop new therapies. Advances in personalized medicine and immunotherapy are particularly promising.

4. Focus on Survivorship:
Long-term follow-up care is essential for childhood cancer survivors, as treatments can have late effects on growth, fertility, learning, and overall health. Survivorship programs help monitor and address these challenges.

Diagnosis in Pediatric Oncology :

Early and accurate diagnosis is critical. Key steps include:

• Physical Examination and Medical History

• Imaging Tests (MRI, CT scans, ultrasounds, PET scans)

• Biopsies for tumor confirmation

• Blood Tests and Bone Marrow Exams

• Cytogenetic and Molecular Studies to identify genetic abnormalities and guide treatment

Outcomes and Survival Rates :

Thanks to advancements in research and treatment, survival rates for childhood cancers have significantly improved. For example:

• Overall, 85% of children with cancer in high-income countries survive five years or more after diagnosis.

• Leukemia and lymphoma outcomes have improved dramatically, with many types achieving cure rates of 80-90%.

However, survival rates vary by cancer type and region. The focus is increasingly shifting toward improving quality of life for survivors and addressing disparities in care globally.

Pediatric oncology exemplifies hope, resilience, and innovation in medicine, with a relentless drive to cure cancer while preserving the future of every child diagnosed.

At, ONCOLIFE CANCER CENTRE, Our mission is to provide world class oncology care in an environment of hope , compassion and healing.Our Paediatric Oncology and Hematology department specialises in diagnosing and treating children with cancer and blood disorders . Our team of compassionate experts is dedicated to providing personalised care for every child and family. From early diagnosis and advanced therapies to emotional and holistic care , we are here to guide you toward recovery and a brighter future

What we treat :

Our expert Pediatric Hemato-oncology specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including:

Blood Disorders :

• Anemia: Including Thalessemia, sickle cell disease

• Hemophilia and thrombosis

• Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) and inherited platelet disorders.

• Bone marrow failure syndromes and aplastic anemia

Childhood Cancers :

• Leukemia: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and more.

• Lymphoma: Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

• Brain and Spinal Tumors: Medulloblastoma , gliomas

• Solid Tumors: Neuroblastoma, wilms tumour, liver tumours, germ cell tumor and other rare childhood cancers.

• Bone and soft tissue tumours

Our Advanced Care and Services :

We combine cutting-edge technology with personalized care to ensure the best outcomes for your child. Our services include:

• Comprehensive Diagnostics: Advanced blood tests, genetic testing, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging studies

• Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy: Tailored to minimize side effects while targeting cancer cells effectively.

• Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation: Offering hope for complex cases.

• Targeted and Immunotherapy: Innovative treatments that harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

• Palliative care and pain management

• Psychosocial and financial support for children and families

Facilities available :

Our state -of-the -art facility features :

• Consultative Hematology Oncology OPD

• A dedicated paediatric oncology ward with child friendly spaces

• Advanced imaging and diagnostic tools for precise treatment planning

• Bone marrow procedure

• Counselling and supportive care

• Blood bank and transfusion services onsite

A Multidisciplinary Approach :

At Oncolife cancer centre , we believe in teamwork. Our multidisciplinary team includes:

• Pediatric oncologists and hematologists.

• Pediatric surgeons and radiologists.

• Specialized nurses, nutritionist , psychologists and social workers.

• We collaborate with families to create customized treatment plans that address not only the child’s medical needs but also their emotional and psychological well-being.

Support for Families :

We know this journey is challenging, which is why we offer a range of support services:

• Counseling and Emotional Support: For children and families.

• Nutritional Guidance: Tailored plans to boost recovery.

• Financial Assistance: Helping families navigate treatment costs.

• Free treatment under MJPJAY scheme for all ration card holders

• Survivorship Programs: Focused on long-term health and quality of life