Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Hematology and Oncology

Leukemia and Lymphoma Program
Our Leukemia and Lymphoma program offers various treatment options for every type and phase of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia. Treatment options include chemotherapy, as well as targeted small molecule therapy, novel cellular therapies, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and immunotherapy.

Solid Tumor, Sarcoma, and Brain Tumor Program
Solid tumors account for a third of all childhood cancers and represent a wide range of malignancies. A subset of solid tumors that occur in bone, muscle, and soft tissue are called sarcomas. Our program features a strong, multidisciplinary team of experts who address the complex and varied needs of patients with these types of diagnoses.

Blood Disorders Program
Patients with blood disorders, including hemophagocytosis (HLH), hemophilia, clotting disorders, and other disorders of red cells, white cells, and platelets (including ITP), receive exceptional, highly collaborative care from clinical experts in their disease states. Applying the latest advancements in treatment and research, our patients receive the most advanced care available. Our Hemophilia Treatment Center is a federal-designated center that serves patients of all ages.

Sickle Cell Program
Patients with sickle cell disease often face a lifetime of hospital visits. Here, they receive advanced, multidisciplinary treatment and compassionate care from a personal team of experts with whom they build strong and supportive relationships.

Surgical Oncology Program
Our surgical oncologists are fellowship-trained and skilled at working within a multidisciplinary team of expert specialists. Together, they develop a treatment plan that will be most effective for each patient and based on the latest research and use of state-of-the-art surgical procedures.

Radiation Oncology Program Our integrative treatment approach takes great care in maximizing radiation effects on tumors, while carefully working to minimize radiation to the rest of the body. We are the only program in the Washington, D.C., area to offer access to all of the latest cutting-edge treatment options for pediatric patients, including conventional radiation therapy, CyberKnife ®, ZAP-X ®, and proton therapy.

Long-Term Survivor Program
Our Long-Term Survivor Program follows cancer patients who have completed therapy. Care includes a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s physical health, academic and social development, coping skills, and even addresses financial and insurance concerns. Our team also provides basic patient education about diagnosis, treatment, and potential risks for late-effects from treatment. We have found integrative therapies very helpful for cancer survivors.

Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program
Our Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer program fosters a gradual shift of responsibility for a young person’s health from parents to self. The program provides access to clinical trials and clinical trial education, as well as integrative medicine services, allowing patients to discuss the risk and benefits of alternative and complementary approaches to their care. Initial evaluations include considerations for all current and future life stages for all patients. We make it easy for patients to access other specialized services including physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, genetic counselors, and palliative care specialists. To further assure their well-being, we assess psychosocial needs often throughout the patient journey.

Integrative Medicine Programs
Successful outcomes rest on more than just medical treatment. Our program offers a range of integrative medicine and supportive services, from major components to little but appreciated touches, so we may use less medication to treat the side effects of cancer, blood disorders, or clotting disorders. These services include:

• Nutritional guidance
• Mind-body medicine, including relaxation, meditation, guided imagery, biofeedback, and physical exercise, among other practices
• Yoga, massage, and acupuncture
• Nutraceutical and dietary supplement evaluation

Psychosocial Programs
Providing social and emotional resources is central to meeting all of our patients where their needs lie. Through our program, patients and their families have access to a variety of specialists providing multidisciplinary care to address these critical areas.

• Child Life program: Our certified child life specialists and organizations like Hope for Henry provide therapeutic play and recreational activities to support children and families as they cope with illness, hospitalization, and treatment.
• Social work: An integral part of the health care team, our licensed clinical social workers help patients and their families cope with the emotional, mental, and social challenges resulting from their diagnosis.
• Back to school (or work) transition services: Team members are available to visit the classroom and work with the parents and school in advocating for IEPs and 504 educational plans, as needed by the child. Similarly, as a young adult returns to the workforce, our team is ready to support their transition in any way needed.
• Art therapy: The Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program (AHP) promotes care for our patients, family members, and the community through its programs of music, expressive writing, dance, and visual arts—including the nationally recognized Tracy’s Kids Art Therapy.
• Child psychology and neuropsychology: Our psycho-oncology program provides inpatient and outpatient psychological and psychiatric treatments and consultations to help address mental well-being.
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapies: Rehabilitation helps our patients with challenges such as pain, fatigue, difficulty speaking or swallowing, or other quality-of-life issues. We help patients access these services through the MedStar National Rehabilitation Network.