Advanced care for childhood cancer and blood disorders
Pediatric oncologists and hematologists at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital diagnose and treat cancer and blood disorders in infants, children and teens:
- Anemia (low level of red blood cells)
- Blood disorders, such as neutropenia or thrombocytopenia
- Bone and spine cancer or tumors
- Brain cancer
- Hemophilia (blood clotting disorder)
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia and lymphoma
- Sarcoma
- Sickle cell disease
- Tumors
- Other rare childhood cancers and blood disorders
At Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, you’ll find an experienced pediatric care team that is part of a national team of experienced cancer doctors, sharing best practices and the latest in cancer care knowledge and research. Your child’s care team may include pediatric oncologists, pediatric hematologists, nurses, anesthesiologists, imaging technicians, pharmacists, certified child life specialists, physical therapists, dietitians, mental health specialists and more. Your child’s care team works together to deliver personalized care for your child.
Pediatric cancer care in Indiana
At Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, your child and family have access to advanced treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and clinical trials.
Surgery: Surgery may be recommended as part of your child’s care plan to remove a cancerous tumor and the surrounding tissues. Whenever possible, pediatric surgeons use minimally invasive procedures. Minimally invasive surgical techniques use small incisions and may help shorten the recovery. We understand surgery can feel scary for your child and your family. Your child’s care team takes the time to explain the procedure and answer your questions. We also help you and your child understand what to expect before, during and after surgery.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a medication that helps destroy or stop the growth of cancer cells. Your child’s care team explains the type of chemotherapy your child is taking and discusses any side effects. During treatment, your child’s care team monitors them for new or changing side effects and helps your child feel as comfortable as possible.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-powered X-rays to target and destroy cancer cells. This treatment may be given before surgery or chemotherapy to help reduce the size of cancer tumors. Before treatment, your child’s care team explains what to expect and helps your child stay comfortable during treatment. And your child’s doctor works closely with you and your child’s care team to monitor for side effects.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy stimulates your child’s immune system to help destroy cancer cells. This treatment can also help control side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Clinical trials: Your child’s doctor may recommend a clinical trial as part of their care plan. Clinical trials may provide more options for treatment, especially when cancer is not responding to traditional treatments.
A pediatric cancer center designed for children and families
Children don’t stop being kids when they are diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder. They may spend a lot of time in our cancer center — so we designed it to be a home away from home. Child life specialists help make sure your child gets time to play, study and socialize with other kids. We also have comfortable spaces for your family to spend time together.
Along the way, your child’s care may require imaging, lab testing, pharmacy or other specialists – you do not have to navigate their care alone. Your child’s care team will help you schedule appointments, connect with other services and support groups, and answer your questions.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, talk with our nurse navigator by calling 317-338-4673.