Pediatric hemato-oncology
pediatric Oncology:
Pediatric Oncology is dedicated for treatment of children with cancers. Our mission is to provide comprehensive unsurpassed care to children with catastrophic disease like cancer in an organized and evidence based practice setting.
Cancers treated:
Hematological malignancies like Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Acute myeloid leukemia; Chromic myeloid leukemia
Lymphomas like Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Hodgkins lymphoma
Solid tumors like Neuroblastoma / wilms tumor / Germ cell tumors / Rhabdomyosarcomas
Bone tumors: Sarcomas: Ewings / Osteo
Brain tumors like medulloblastoma / low grade glioma / germ cell tumors / ependymoma
Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Pediatric oncology ward:
There is a dedicated oncology ward for these children with dedicated 15 beds and two day care beds where maintenance of asepsis is given a priority for administering chemotherapy by a chemotherapy trained nursing staff. Treatment for each type of childhood cancer follows specifically designed protocols at our unit based on national and international guidelines.
Services provided:
Depending on the type of cancer, treatment may include chemotherapy, surgery and / or radiotherapy. Majority of the chemotherapy is administered as inpatient with some being given as outpatient and day care chemotherapy. Children undergo procedures like Lumbar Puncture / Intrathecal drugs administration / Bone marrow aspiration & biopsy / accessing of implanted ports under appropriate procedural sedation. We have dedicated pediatric oncology nurses along with a pediatric oncology social worker who educate and support the entire family. Our social worker ensures a smooth experience for the child for the family throughout the treatment.
Why cancers in children are different from adults?
Cancer in children are different from that of adults. Children are not treated as miniature adults. They need a tailored approach to their cancers. They tolerate the chemotherapy better and have a better survival rates than adults. Taking a look at the survival rates of various cancers at our institute, we have had 80%-85% survival rate in the last 10 years.
Multidisciplinary team management:
Curing children with cancer requires a multidisciplinary effort. A team of doctors from various specialities (pediatricians / pathologists / radiologists / pediatric surgeons / nephrologist / neurologist / endocrinologists/ emergency physicians / intensivists) are available in house to provide their expertise in the treatment of children with cancer. A team discussion is done for every child with a difficult cancer and the best of available services are given to the ailing child. All such treatment offered is protocol and evidence based and we track all new healthcare research to provide the best to the child. The best of supportive care is given to these children for improving their outcomes. Not just during treatment but they are followed up through every stage of recovery.
Most of the children taking treatment at our hospital are from the lower socio economic strata and are under priviledged / lower middle class. We have Ray of Light Foundation to provide free treatment to children diagnosed with cancer-leukemias, to both lower and middle socioeconomic groups thereby contributing to the improvement of the outcome in these children. Additionally, hospital supports a few patients for their cancer treatment.
Pediatric Hematology
Pediatric Hematology is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for infants, children, and adolescents with various hematologic conditions. With a team of experienced pediatric hematologists, nurses, social workers and support staff, we offer specialized services tailored to meet the unique needs of our young patients and their families.
Our services:
Bone Marrow Transplant:
The Ray of Light Foundation established the state-of-the-art Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) unit at our hospital. We started our first Bone Marrow Transplantation in year 2020.
The BMT unit, built in par with international standards, has dedicated air handling units (AHU) ensuring optimal patient safety. Additionally, 3 positive pressure rooms in the Intensive Care unit (ICU) for critically ill patients.
Transforming care:
This initiative aims to provide life-saving treatments for children facing cancerous conditions like relpased/refractory leukemia, lymphoma and non-cancerous conditions such as bone marrow failure, immunodeficiency, and hemoglobinopathies like thalassemia & sickle cell anemia and metabolic disorders.
From matched family and unrelated donors to innovative techniques like Haploidentical PTCY and Haploidentical TCR alpha/beta depleted HSCT, we are expanding treatment options for every child.
Our dedicated multidisciplinary team involving pediatric hemato-oncologists, transplant specialists, transfusion medicine experts, intensive care professionals, infectious disease specialists, pediatric surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologist, endocrinologist, anaesthetist, competent nurses and social workers is unwavering in its commitment to providing ongoing care, support, and expertise to ensure the long-term well-being of post BMT children.
Speciality Clinics:
We offer dedicated speciality clinics for children with a diverse range of blood disorders. Our specialized clinics are designed to provide comprehensive care and support for patients and their families, ensuring the highest quality of evidence based treatment and management for each condition.
Pediatric Blood disorders:
We specialize in diagnosing and managing a broad spectrum of pediatric blood disorders, including various causes of anemia, thrombocytopenia, bleeding disorders, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, bone marrow failure and immunodeficiency. Based on evidence-based guidelines and multidisciplinary discussions, especially in challenging cases, we ensure the highest standard of care for our patients.
Genetic Counselling:
With the assistance of genetic specialists, we offer comprehensive genetic counselling to families at risk of inherited blood disorders. Our aim is to provide information, support, and guidance, empowering families to make informed decisions about their child’s health and future.
Psychosocial Support:
Our social workers and support staff offer emotional support, counselling, and resources to assist families in coping with the challenges of managing chronic blood disorders.
After treatment follow-up clinic:
Treatment for children with cancer doesn’t end with completion of the designated treatment, but they need follow up beyond their treatment period. All our cancer children who have completed treatment are seen in the follow up clinic and the necessary rehabilitative services are given. This also ensures that they return to the school life without any stigma.
Thalassemia clinic:
Our Thalassemia Clinic offers comprehensive care, encompassing blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, supportive care, genetic counselling and the curative bone marrow transplantation.
Bleeding disorders clinic:
We specialized in diagnosis and management of Haemophilia, Von Willebrand disease, platelet dysfunction and other rare bleeding disorders. We provide comprehensive treatment plans including factor replacement therapy, joint protection and emergency management of bleeding episodes.
Primary immunodeficiency clinic:
Primary immunodeficiency disorders are genetic defects of immune system can lead to life threatening infections and autoimmune manifestations. Early diagnosis and timely intervention including bone marrow transplantation, when necessary, can profoundly transform their lives. We perform thorough evaluations, including advanced diagnostic testing and genetic screening when necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis. We provide comprehensive care, including appropriate management of infections with the assistance of infectious disease specialists, immunoglobulin replacement therapy, education to minimize infection risk, and ongoing monitoring.We have performed successful transplants for children with these disorders.
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