Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Pediatric hematology and oncology isn’t about theory; it’s about precision, speed, and decisions that carry weight from the very first day of diagnosis. At Biruni Hospital, the focus stays where it matters: on treating real conditions with real timelines using methods that have proven to hold up under pressure. Turkey offers the clinical scale and reach, but the work itself happens face to face, test by test, and dose by dose. There’s no drama to it, just work that needs doing and people trained to do it right the first time.

What is pediatric oncology?

Pediatric oncology is the branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating cancer in children, where the approach differs from adults due to the unique nature of childhood cancers.
These cancers require treatment plans that consider the child's growth, development, and the long-term impact of therapy on their bodies. The goal is to target cancer cells precisely while minimizing harm to healthy tissue and reducing future complications. It involves a coordinated effort among specialists who handle diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and ongoing care to support the child’s overall health.

Key aspects of pediatric oncology include:

• Diagnosing various childhood cancers through specialized testing
  
• Creating treatment protocols tailored to the child’s age and cancer stage
  
• Employing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical options designed for pediatric patients
  
• Managing side effects with supportive therapies
  
• Monitoring for recurrence and late treatment effects over time
  
• Involving multidisciplinary teams including surgeons, radiologists, and psychologists
  
• Coordinating with hematology and bone marrow transplant services when needed
  

What is pediatric hematology?

Pediatric hematology is a medical subspecialty focused on diagnosing and treating blood disorders in children, from infancy through adolescence.
It includes both noncancerous conditions and blood cancers, often requiring complex evaluation and long-term monitoring based on how a child’s body responds.
Unlike general hematology, this branch is adapted to the physiology, development, and emotional needs of younger patients, including newborns.
It plays a foundational role in managing everything from anemia to clotting disorders to leukemias, using lab diagnostics, targeted therapies, smart drugs and supportive care.

Key aspects of pediatric hematology include:

• Diagnosis and management of genetic blood conditions
  
• Treatment of anemia and platelet disorders
  
• Evaluation of clotting and bleeding syndromes
  
• Monitoring immune-related blood diseases
  
• Integration with oncology for blood cancers like leukemia
  
• Coordination of transfusion care and bone marrow studies
  
• Family counseling and genetic risk evaluation
  

What are the types of pediatric hematology treatments?

Pediatric hematology treatments include blood transfusions, iron and vitamin supplements, chemotherapy for blood cancers, and medications for conditions like sickle cell disease or hemophilia. In some cases, bone marrow or stem cell transplants may be recommended for more severe blood disorders.

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy

Doctors perform this test to take a closer look at how blood cells are made inside the bones. They usually take a small sample from the hip bone by numbing the area first. Then a needle draws out some marrow which tells doctors what might be wrong, like cancer or other blood issues. After the test, kids are watched for pain or bleeding, and families get clear advice on what to do next.

Key steps and aspects:

• Talk with the child and parents to explain what will happen
  
• Use local anesthesia or sedation depending on how old or anxious the child is
  
• Insert a needle carefully into the bone to collect marrow
  
• Monitor the child right after for any side effects
  
• Send the sample quickly to the lab for detailed study
  
• Give simple instructions to parents for home care
  

Peripheral blood stem cell collection

Instead of taking stem cells straight from the bone marrow, this method collects them from the bloodstream. Doctors give medicine to push stem cells into the blood, then a machine separates and collects these cells while returning the rest of the blood back. This is a gentler way to get cells needed for transplant that can save lives.

Key steps and aspects:

• Give medication to stimulate stem cells to move into blood
  
• Check blood regularly to find the right time for collection
  
• Put in IV lines to connect the child to a machine that filters cells
  
• Collect cells over one or more sessions as needed
  
• Watch vital signs carefully to make sure the child stays comfortable
  
• Freeze the collected cells for later transplant use
  
• Coordinate timing closely with the transplant team
  
• Explain the process clearly to families so they understand
  

Red blood cell exchange transfusion

This treatment is mainly for children with sickle cell disease. It removes sickled red blood cells and replaces them with healthy donor cells to improve blood flow and prevent complications. Doctors use a machine for the exchange and keep a close eye on the child to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Key steps and aspects:

• Confirm that exchange transfusion is needed urgently
  
• Find blood that matches the child to avoid reactions
• Set up reliable veins for quick blood removal and replacement
  
• Use a machine to swap sickled cells with healthy ones
  
• Keep monitoring vital signs and blood chemistry constantly
  
• Manage fluid levels carefully to keep balance
  
• Be ready to treat any reactions right away
  
• Plan follow-up care to avoid future problems
  

What are the types of pediatric oncology treatments

Pediatric oncology treatmentsinclude chemotherapy,surgery, radiation therapy,immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. The treatment plan depends on the type and stage of cancer and is often personalized to ensure the best outcome with minimal long-term side effects.

Surgical tumor removal

Doctors use this procedure to take out a tumor when they think surgery gives the best chance to control or cure the cancer. It's not always the first step, but when the tumor is solid and in one place, surgery becomes a key part of the plan. The goal is to remove it all while protecting the healthy tissue around it, especially when the tumor is near something important like nerves or organs. Recovery depends on where the tumor was, how big it was, and what else the child is dealing with.

Key steps and aspects:

• Run scans to see exactly where the tumor sits
  
• Talk through risks, benefits, and details with the family before going in
  
• Use anesthesia that fits the child’s age, size, and overall condition
  
• Remove the tumor plus a bit of surrounding tissue just to be safe
  
• Send part of it to the lab to double check that margins are clear
  
• Keep the child under close watch for pain, bleeding, or infection
  
• Guide parents through wound care at home
  
• Schedule follow-ups to check healing and discuss what comes next
  

Chemotherapy administration

Chemotherapy is one of the main tools for treating pediatric cancers. It works by attacking fast-growing cells, which includes cancer but also hits other fast-growing parts of the body, leading to the known side effects. It can be given alone or alongside surgery or radiation depending on the case. Every child gets a custom plan, and doctors adjust doses along the way based on how the body reacts and how the cancer responds.

Key steps and aspects:

• Run blood work and check organ function to make sure the body can handle it
• Pick the right mix of drugs based on the specific cancer
  
• Place a central line or port if long-term treatment is needed
  
• Start the first doses slowly and monitor reactions closely
  
• Use supportive meds to manage nausea, low counts, or other common issues
  
• Check blood regularly and adjust the treatment as needed
  
• Involve parents in every step and explain clearly what to expect
  
• Offer nutrition help and emotional support when things get rough
  
• Track the cancer’s response through scans and lab tests
  

Radiation therapy

Radiation uses focused energy to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors that can’t be fully removed by surgery. It’s not used in every case, but when it is, it’s carefully mapped out so that only the tumor area gets hit while healthy growing tissue stays protected, especially in younger kids. Planning is exact, and sessions are short but happen almost every day for several weeks depending on the total dose needed.

Key steps and aspects:

• Take precise images of the tumor with CT or MRI
  
• Build a custom plan with a team of radiation specialists
  
• Talk with the family about what the sessions will be like
  
• Use devices or molds to help keep the child in the same position each time
  
• Give treatment daily for a set number of weeks
  
• Watch for short-term side effects like fatigue or skin issues
  
• Offer care along the way to manage symptoms
  
• Do scans later to see how the tumor responded
  
• Track the child over time to catch late effects if they show up later

What are the preparations before a pediatric hematology and oncology procedure

Before anything begins, the child has to be ready, and so does the family. This part is just as important as the treatment itself and it helps reduce risks, calm nerves, and make sure nothing is left out or rushed.

Medical preparation

Doctors need to know exactly how the child’s body is doing before they move forward with any test or treatment.

• Run blood tests to see if organs are working normally
  
• Scan the body with imaging like ultrasound, MRI, or CT when needed
  
• Look at past conditions, meds, and allergies to avoid complications
  
• Decide on anesthesia or sedation plan based on weight and age
  
• Check infection risk and decide if antibiotics or isolation are needed
  

Family and emotional preparation

• Explain everything in words the child can understand
  
• Let parents ask questions and share their concerns
  
• Bring in child life experts or psychologists if things feel too heavy
  
• Help the child choose a toy, blanket, or playlist to bring along
  
• Talk with siblings about what to expect at home
  

Practical and logistical steps

• Confirm time, place, and what to bring with the hospital team
  
• Pack ID, health records, extra clothes, and comfort items
  
• Follow the fasting rules carefully if sedation is part of the plan
  
• Make sure transport is ready and clear your schedule
  
• Prep the house for when the child comes home after the procedure
  

What happens during the post-operative period after pediatric hematology and oncology procedures

During the post-operative period after pediatric hematology and oncology procedures, children are closely monitored for signs of infection, bleeding, and side effects from treatment. Pain management, nutritional support, and emotional care are provided to support healing, along with regular follow-ups to assess recovery and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Short term recovery

Right after the procedure, the main focus is on keeping the child stable, managing pain, and preventing complications like infection or bleeding.

Long term recovery and monitoring

Once the child is stable, the next goal is to support long-term healing, prevent relapse, and catch late effects that may show up slowly.

What comes next matters most

Every step in pediatric hematology and oncology, from preparation to recovery, is about timing, precision, and trust between doctors and families. When handled with care, these procedures do more than treat disease. They help children move toward strength, healing, and the chance to grow forward. At Biruni Hospital, our dedicated pediatric specialists are here to guide and support you every step of the way. Contact us today to speak with our pediatric team and learn how we can support your child’s journey to better health.