Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

The Pediatric Hematology and Oncology program at Beacon Children’s Hospital provides treatment and support services close to home. Caring for patients and families in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan, experienced providers and staff walk beside you from day one of a cancer diagnosis.

We work as part of a larger pediatric cancer care network, partnering with tertiary (third tier) pediatric cancer centers when children need specialized diagnostic services, surgery, radiation therapy, clinical trials or other advanced care. When treatment can be safely and appropriately provided close to home, our team helps families transition care to their own community.

Meet your pediatric cancer care team

Pediatric cancer and blood disorders require more than just medical treatment. Beacon’s pediatric cancer care team collaborates to address each child’s unique medical, emotional, developmental and social needs.

Each patient has a dedicated team which may include:

• Pediatric hematology/oncology physicians
• Pediatric nurse navigators/primary nurses
• Pediatric nurse practitioners
• Certified pediatric oncology nurses
• Social workers
• Child life specialists

Beacon is connected to specialized pediatric cancer care

Some children with cancer receive their initial diagnosis, surgery or other specialized care at a tertiary pediatric cancer center. Others may begin treatment locally and receive specialized services at another center when needed.

We collaborate with Riley Children’s Hospital and other pediatric cancer centers across the United States to ensure each child receives appropriate care for their diagnosis and treatment plan. Specialized care may include:

• Pediatric surgical evaluation and treatment
• Specialized pathology and diagnostic services
• Radiation oncology
• Complex or highly specialized cancer treatment
• Clinical trial enrollment
• Consultation with pediatric cancer specialists

Childhood cancers and blood disorders we treat

The Beacon Pediatric Hematology/Oncology team provides evaluation, treatment, monitoring and supportive care for children with a variety of cancers and blood disorders. Following their cancer diagnosis and specialized treatment plan, they will receive ongoing treatment and supportive care through our team.

Pediatric cancers:

• Brain and central nervous system tumors
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Neuroblastoma
• Sarcomas
• Wilms tumor
• Other childhood cancers

Blood disorders:

• Anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia
• Bleeding and clotting disorders
• Bone marrow failure syndromes
• Hemophilia
• Sickle cell disease
• Sickle cell therapy
• Thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies
• Other benign hematologic conditions

We determine the appropriate location for care based on each child’s diagnosis, treatment plan and clinical needs.

Treatment and services for pediatric cancer treatment

We offer a wide variety of outpatient and inpatient services for children with cancer and blood disorders. Treatment and services may include chemotherapy, blood product transfusions, medical infusions, hematology care and supportive therapies.

• Blood transfusions: We provide transfusions of packed red blood cells, platelets and other blood products for children who need transfusion support, including children with cancer and transfusion-dependent anemias.
• Chemotherapy: Children may receive chemotherapy through our outpatient department or on the inpatient pediatric floor. Treatments are administered by chemotherapy-certified nursing staff and overseen by a board-certified pediatric oncologist. For children receiving care through a pediatric cancer center or clinical trial, our team may provide portions of treatment locally when permitted by the child’s treatment plan and protocol.
• Hemophilia and bleeding disorders: In collaboration with the Indiana Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center (IHTC), children and adolescents with all types of bleeding disorders and thrombophilia are evaluated and treated.
• Radiation therapy: When radiation therapy is part of a child’s treatment plan, our team coordinates care with radiation oncology specialists. Depending on the child’s diagnosis and treatment needs, radiation therapy may be provided locally or through a pediatric cancer center.
• Sickle cell and hemoglobinopathy care: We provide ongoing monitoring and management for children and adolescents with sickle cell disease, thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies, including care for acute complications.
• Specialized hematology care: Our team evaluates and manages children with anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and other hematologic disorders. Specialized testing may be used when needed to help guide diagnosis and treatment.

About clinical trials

Clinical trials are an important part of childhood cancer care and research. When appropriate, children may participate in clinical trials through our pediatric cancer center partners, including Children’s Oncology Group studies. For children enrolled in a clinical trial, some treatment and supportive care may be provided closer to home when allowed by the study protocol and the child’s care team.

Outpatient services for children and families

For families and children facing cancer, care and support goes beyond treatment. Emotional, social and psychological needs of the whole family are addressed and managed by a supportive care team.

• Child Life Specialists: During a stressful time, these experts help children and families understand and copy with medical experiences. They offer age-appropriate emotional support, coping strategies, and can help children prepare for and manage procedures.
• Social worker support
  Our social workers help children and families navigate the practical and emotional challenges that can accompany a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis. Support may include:
  • Advocacy for patients and families
  • Coordination of financial resources
  • Crisis intervention
  • Education and navigation through the healthcare system
  • Referrals to community and state resources
  • Therapeutic support
  • Transition planning and problem solving
• Food pantry: Our donation-based food panty is a source for families experiencing food insecurity. Donations are provided through the Beacon Health Foundation.
• Nutritional counseling: Nutritional challenges can occur in children with cancer and serious blood disorders. Nutritional monitoring and support are incorporated into care to help children maintain strength and support their overall health during treatment.
• School and educational support: We provide education and outreach for patients and families and work with schools and health care professionals to support children throughout treatment and their return to school. Educational outreach may also be provided for nursing students, medical students, residents, healthcare providers and other interested groups.
• Family resources: We work with community organizations to provide additional support for children and families during treatment.
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities provides resources for families who need additional support while their child receives care. A Ronald McDonald Family Room is available at Beacon Children’s Hospital for families whose children are receiving treatment. Learn more

About Beacon Children’s Hospital

Beacon Children’s Hospital is home to pediatricians and pediatric specialists whose top priority is making sure your child receives the medical care they need in the right place at the right time.

Our Pediatric Hematology and Oncology program is part of that broader pediatric care network, giving families access to specialized cancer and blood disorder care close to home while connecting them with tertiary pediatric expertise when additional services are needed.

Beacon Children’s Hospital also provides pediatric care in a variety of specialties, including:

• Behavioral and developmental medicine
• Diabetes
• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology
• Infectious disease
• Neurology
• Pulmonology
• Rehabilitation
• Sleep medicine

Learn about Beacon Children’s Hospital