Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

The area's only pediatric cancer and blood disorders center

Children diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders can receive the multidisciplinary care they need right here in the Augusta, Georgia area. Children's Hospital of Georgia Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorder Center is the home of pediatric hematologists-oncologists who diagnosis and treat all types of cancer in children, which includes leukemia's, tumors of the brain and spinal column, and solid tumors. We also treat children with hemophilia, sickle cell disease and other blood and clotting disorders. Our hospital and clinic are staffed by specialized pediatric hematology and oncology nurses who deliver excellent care.

Pediatric Oncology

The center offers:

• Pediatric Cancer Predisposition Clinic
• Participation in clinical trials for the treatment of childhood cancers through Children’s Oncology Group
• Multidisciplinary care by highly skilled:
  • pediatric oncologists-hematologists
  • surgeons
  • radiologists
  • nurse practitioners supported by a medical social worker and registered dietitian
• Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and blood transfusions
• An inpatient pediatric cancer unit
• An outpatient clinic and day infusion center to reduce the number of admissions
• Advanced, on-site diagnostic technology including a PET scanner
• An oncology pharmacy staffed by pediatric pharmacists
• Pediatric infusion and apheresis, or platelet-replacement therapy that come from a single donor
• An after-therapy clinic, for childhood cancer survivors, that delivers follow-up care and helps patients maintain the best possible health status
• Georgia Radiation Therapy Center
• Gamma Knife for inoperable brain tumors
• Stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy, to treat cancer with a single high dose of radiation
• Child Life Specialists to help children understand and cope with treatment

Pediatric Cancer Predisposition Clinic

Some childhood cancers have a hereditary predisposition due to an altered gene that is transmitted from parent to offspring. The Pediatric Cancer Predisposition Clinic at Children's Hospital of Georgia specializes in assessing for this risk through a combination of a patient’s cancer history, family history, and genetic testing. Results can influence patient care directly by influencing treatment recommendations or testing for additional or new cancers for which the patient may be at risk. The results can benefit the family members if they are also at risk.

State-of-the-art Care for Children with Sickle Cell Disease

All children born in Georgia are screened for sickle cell disease at birth. That’s because early diagnosis and specialized care can prevent death and serious complications from this disorder. Children’s Hospital of Georgia is the only facility in the area offering care for children with sickle cell disease.  The Augusta University Medical Center is a designated State Center for the confirmation of children suspected of having sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies. 

The center offers:

• Diagnosis and care by pediatric hematologists and nurse practitioner who specialize in sickle cell disease
• Clinic for transfusions and short term acute care
• A full range of treatments including hydroxyurea, penicillin prophylaxis, vaccinations against bacterial pneumonia, flu vaccination, folic acid supplement, pain management, treatments to eliminate excess iron, and a full range of infusion and apheresis services
• Newborn screening and new patient evaluation
• Transcranial Doppler ultrasound testing and interpretation for stroke prevention

Comprehensive Care for Hemophilia in Children

Children with hemophilia need easy access to comprehensive care by physicians who understand this inherited blood disorder. Children's Hospital of Georgia operates the area’s only pediatric hemophilia program. 

The program offers:

• Expert care by pediatric oncologists-hematologists and nurse who specialize in hemophilia
• A hemophilia clinic that meets twice a month and delivers multidisciplinary care by a pediatric oncologist-hematologist, medical social worker and physical therapists
• Diagnosis, evaluation, multidisciplinary care, surgery and management for hemophilia and other hereditary hemorrhagic or thrombotic disorders
• Prophylaxis, or factor-replacement infusions to increase clotting levels and prevent bleeding
• Quick referrals to pediatric dentists, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists and other physicians