Pediatric blood and cancer care in Indianapolis
Hearing your child has a blood disorder or cancer is one of the most frightening and concerning things to hear. But your family is not alone. Specialists at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent Pediatric Cancer Care and Hematology in Indianapolis, Indiana, diagnose and treat cancer and blood disorders in children. At Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, you’ll find an experienced pediatric care team that is part of an integrated national network of experienced cancer doctors, sharing best practices and the latest in cancer care knowledge and research.
Every visit starts with a compassionate conversation between your family and your child’s doctor. Your child’s doctor will take the time to answer all your questions. We work with you on the right care plan for your child and your family. Your child’s care plan may include a combination of therapeutic and surgical treatments. And your family will be connected with specialists in pediatric therapy, mental health, rehabilitation and more.
Pediatric specialty care for cancer, anemia and blood diseases
When you choose Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, you get a multispecialty team dedicated to your child’s care. Pediatric oncologists and hematologists specialize in diagnosing and treating:
- 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
Advanced treatment options for childhood cancer and blood disorders
Your child’s care is personalized. That means they may have a combination of treatments as part of their care plan. At Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, your child and family have access to some of the most advanced care 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 their 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 what to expect to you and your child.
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 for pediatric cancer and blood disorders
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. As part of the Children's Oncology Group, a clinical trials group supported by the National Cancer Institute, your child has access to some of the most recent clinical trials available. For questions or to learn more about clinical trials, call 317-338-4673.
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 need to 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.
Supportive cancer care for your child and family
For a child who is sick, family can be the best medicine of all. Social interactions and having family close by is an important part of the healing process. And, Peyton Manning Children's Hospital offers support services designed to address the needs of the entire family — physical, emotional, social and spiritual. Social workers, psychologists, counselors and palliative care specialists are here if you need us.
Get a second opinion from a pediatric cancer specialist
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your child’s doctor and care plan is right for your child and family. It's easy to get a second opinion at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. We can review your child’s medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.
When your child has a new cancer diagnosis or your family is deciding on a treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. We can discuss both therapeutic or surgical treatment plans. Our team of highly experienced pediatric specialists can provide you with a second opinion based on experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.
Before your child’s appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request their medical records from their doctor on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Financial assistance and support is available
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your family’s needs.
Refer a patient and family to a pediatric specialist
Your patients and families can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our pediatric specialists start by listening to fully understand the child and family’s needs and to develop an individualized care plan. To make a doctor referral, please call 317-338-4673.
If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go to the nearest ER or call 911.
