Stay Informed

What is oncology?

Oncology is the branch of medicine that relates to the causes, development, characteristics and treatment of tumors, particularly cancerous ones in infants, children and adolescents.

What is hematology?

Hematology is the branch of medicine that relates to the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders, blood-forming organs and the study of blood and bone marrow disorders, such as anemia, hemophilia or leukemia.

What does clinical research mean for my child?

Eight thousand children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Pediatric cancers are often different than adult cancers, but like adult cancers, they may have complex treatments. Most children with cancer are treated at major medical centers, and as a result, the majority of these children will be treated on a "clinical trial," which is a research study designed to treat a specific type of disease. These cancer clinical trials are designed to see if a new method of treatment or diagnosis is effective. Clinical trials are often called clinical "studies," and the treatment plans are called "protocols." Clinical trials allow children to have access to leading treatment and therapies.

If our physicians recommend enrolling your child in any clinical trial, they will explain its purpose, benefits, possible side effects and answer any questions you or your child have. You and/or your child will also have to sign a consent form before any treatment begins.