Working Together to Discover New Treatments
Cancer in children isn’t common. No single facility sees enough cases of childhood cancer to make significant treatment advances. That’s why pediatric cancer specialists across the country work together to discover new treatments and determine which therapies are most effective. This collaboration has led to better ways to treat cancer; today, nearly 90% of children with cancer survive. Duke Children’s is part of that effort as a member of the Children's Oncology Group, a worldwide organization dedicated to childhood and adolescent cancer research.
Your Child Has Access to the Most Promising Treatments
We collaborate with hundreds of organizations through the Children's Oncology Group to develop care and improve treatment for kids with cancer. At Duke Children’s, your child has access to the most promising treatments and receives care that’s developed by leading cancer care experts. We’re not only focused on your child’s treatment today; we create a care plan that minimizes any side effects from radiation or chemotherapy that may affect their health in the future.
We Use a Team Approach
Your child’s care team includes pediatric specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, ocular oncology, orthopaedics, surgery, anesthesia, and pain management, as well as highly skilled nurses who specialize in caring for kids with cancer. The team also includes psychologists, social workers, and dietitians, and we bring in experts from other pediatric specialties as needed. We draw from all of the resources and expertise at Duke Health.
Your Child Receives Personalized Treatment
We use advanced diagnostic testing to identify the type of cancer and whether it’s related to a genetic change. This allows us to develop a treatment that’s specific to that type of cancer and create a follow-up plan for long-term cancer screening based on your child’s genetic makeup. We use a full range of tests to design a treatment that offers your child the best results. Tests may include blood and bone marrow testing, biopsies, and imaging exams such as ultrasound, MRI, and PET.
You'll Be Well-Informed About What to Expect
You’ll receive clear information about your child's condition, treatment options, and side effects so you can make informed decisions. We offer a wide range of services to help: emotional support for the entire family, help with coordinating your child’s care, and much more. We're here to support you and offer guidance whenever you need us.