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The University of Michigan Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic provides complete care for all forms of childhood and adolescent cancer and chronic blood disorders through nationally recognized pediatric expertise, comprehensive treatment, and support services. The Clinic staff provides treatment or close follow-up to approximately 100 to 125 patients each week.

The Clinic relies on researchers, physicians, nurses, Child and Family Life specialists, social workers, nutritionists, pediatric surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, and other staff members from both the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Together these staff work in multidisciplinary teams to combat cancer from all angles: prevention, detection, and treatment.

The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic treats patients with pediatric solid tumors, including neuroblastomas, rhabdomyosarcomas, Wilms’ tumors, and brain tumors, as well as patients with lymphomas, leukemias, and other childhood cancers. In addition, there are clinics devoted to hemophilia/coagulation disorders and sickle cell anemia.

The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic is affiliated with the Children’s Cancer Group (CCG), one of two nationwide cooperative groups devoted to the study and treatment of pediatric malignancies. As a member of the Children’s Cancer Group, the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic actively participates in the latest treatment protocols and collaborative research designed to improve our understanding of cancer and its treatment.

This issue of Michigan Cares highlights specialty clinics (both inpatient and outpatient) within the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic that work with children with diagnoses such as sarcoma, sickle cell disease, lymphoma, leukemia, and brain tumors, as well as a clinic that follows up with patients who have been out of treatment for at least five years. It also features innovative technologies that offer minimally invasive surgeries to children with neuroblastoma, the multidisciplinary team that supports our patients, creative methods of supporting children and families as they cope with illness and treatment experiences, as well as camps designed specifically for this population.

For more information, please visit www.cancer.med.umich.edu/clinic/pedclinic.htm.

Sincerely,

Patricia Warner
Associate Hospital Director, University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers
Administrator, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital