Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Erlanger’s Commitment to Pediatric Oncology

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by children and families dealing with cancer. At Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, we are deeply committed to providing exceptional care for pediatric cancer patients, combining cutting-edge treatments with compassionate support.

Specialized Care Through the Children’s Oncology Group (COG)

Erlanger is a proud member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG). A global consortium of over 250 medical centers focused on advancing the treatment of childhood cancers. This collaboration allows us to participate in clinical trials that have significantly improved survival rates for pediatric cancer patients. Four decades ago, the cure rate for childhood cancer was less than 10%. Thanks to initiatives like COG, the cure rate has increased to over 80%.

Being part of the COG network also ensures that our patients receive standardized, evidence-based treatment protocols, leading to more effective care and better outcomes. By participating in clinical trials, we contribute to ongoing research that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in pediatric hematology/oncology.

Conditions Treated at Erlanger

Our team of board-certified pediatric hematology/oncology providers is equipped to manage a wide range of cancers and blood disorders, including:

• Leukemia: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia are among the most common childhood cancers we treat.
• Lymphomas: Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are managed with the latest treatment protocols.
• Solid Tumors: Our expertise extends to cancers such as neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, and Wilms tumor.
• Blood Disorders: We also treat hemophilia, sickle cell disease, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Innovative Treatments and Procedures

Erlanger is at the forefront of pediatric cancer treatment. We offer advanced procedures such as immunotherapy and gene therapy. These procedures are critical in diagnosing and treating various forms of cancer, allowing for more precise and targeted care.

The Importance of Early Detection and Research

One of the most crucial aspects of improving childhood cancer outcomes is early detection. Advances in genetic research are making it possible to identify children at higher risk for certain cancers, leading to earlier interventions and better prognoses. Research is also ongoing in immunotherapy, which harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer more effectively. These new treatment modalities hold great promise for increasing survival rates and reducing the long-term side effects of traditional therapies.

Support Beyond Treatment

We understand that treating cancer is more than just addressing the disease. It’s about caring for the whole child and supporting their family through the journey. We offer various support services, including psychological counseling, nutritional guidance, and survivorship programs. These resources are designed to help families navigate the complexities of cancer treatment and ensure children have the best possible quality of life during and after their treatment.

A Community of Hope

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to reflect on our progress and renew our commitment to finding a cure for all forms of pediatric cancer. At Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, we are proud to be part of a community that works tirelessly to give every child the chance to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Our ongoing participation in clinical trials, investment in cutting-edge research, and dedication to comprehensive care all contribute to a brighter future for children facing cancer.

As we observe Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to learn more about pediatric cancer, support research initiatives, and offer hope to the many children and families affected by this disease. Together, we can continue to make strides in the fight against childhood cancer and bring us closer to a world where no child has to face cancer alone.

For more information on the services Erlanger’s pediatric hematology/oncology team provides, please visit HERE.