Hearing your child has cancer changes everything. At Children’s Hospital, our pediatric oncology specialists are here to guide your family with expert care, advanced therapies and unwavering support every step of the way.

As the region’s most experienced team, we provide best-in-class pediatric cancer care close to home. From the moment you receive a diagnosis, our team is here to care for your child and support your family every step of the way.

Our Approach to Pediatric Cancer Care

Every member of your child’s care team is trained to provide personalized, child-focused cancer care. We also understand that your child’s emotional health has a major impact on the success of their treatment. That is why we support your child and your family from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.

Our expert pediatric cancer team includes:

  • Pediatric hematologist-oncologists: The most experienced cancer experts in the region.
  • Radiation oncologists: Offer leading-edge radiation treatments to shrink tumors.
  • Pediatric surgeons: Skilled in performing many procedures with minimally invasive techniques.
  • Radiologists: Perform advanced imaging procedures to diagnose and stage cancers.
  • Pediatric otolaryngologists (ENTs): Provide advanced procedures to remove head and neck tumors.
  • Pediatric neurosurgeons: Offer advanced procedures to remove brain and spinal tumors.
  • Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons: Provide advanced techniques for removing bone tumors.
  • Pathologists: Diagnose all types of pediatric tumors.
  • Nurse practitioners: Help coordinate your child’s care and streamline communication with your care team.
  • Child life specialists and music therapists: Can help ease your child’s stress during treatment.
  • Physical, occupational and speech therapists: Help provide more complete care that addresses all your child’s needs before, during and after cancer treatment.
  • Pediatric psychologists: Provide support for your child’s mental and emotional health.
  • Social workers: Can connect you to financial assistance and other resources to support your family.

How to See Our Childhood Cancer Specialists

You may get a referral through your pediatrician, emergency medicine physician or another specialist. You can also reach out to us directly. We regularly provide second opinions on cancer diagnoses and treatment recommendations for kids.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

At your first visit, we’ll gather your child’s medical history and perform a physical exam. We will also take bloodwork and review your child’s test results. Sometimes, we may order advanced imaging tests, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

Once we confirm a diagnosis, we will discuss the treatment options with you. Together, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan and communicate with your pediatrician regarding your child’s care.

Cancer Treatments

Innovative therapies available for children with cancer include:

  • Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to target cancer cells and slow tumor growth.
  • Immunotherapy: Medications like monoclonal antibodies and checkpoint inhibitors help your child’s immune system fight cancer cells.
  • Radiation therapy (including stereotactic radiation): Uses radiation to target cancer cells.
  • Surgery: Traditional and minimally invasive cancer surgery for a wide range of tumors.
  • Targeted therapy: Medications target cancer cells and cause fewer side effects than chemotherapy. 

Once your child’s treatment is complete, we will develop a follow-up plan to monitor your child’s health and recovery. Initially, your follow-up visits will be more frequent, but then we may move to annual appointments.

Supportive Care

To improve your child’s quality of life before, during and after cancer treatment, we offer family-centered support services, such as:

Clinical Trials

As part of the Children’s Oncology Group, Children’s Hospital participates in many international clinical trials for pediatric cancer treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Our patients have access to innovative therapies that are not available at other hospitals in the region. Researchers at MU Health Care have also published research on the latest treatments for leukemia.

Genetic Testing and Counseling

If your child has an inherited type of cancer, advanced genetic testing can determine if other family members are at risk. We also offer genetic counseling if you are not sure whether genetic testing is appropriate for you and your family.

Fertility Preservation

Many cancer treatments can affect the fertility of young patients. Our fertility specialists offer age-appropriate fertility preservation guidance to help young people plan their future. If needed, we can suggest different approaches to help save or protect your child’s eggs and sperm.

Related Conditions & Treatments

All Services in One Location

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