Bronson Pediatric Oncology & Hematology Specialists (A Bronson Methodist Hospital facility)

Providing highly specialized care to children and young adults with cancer or disorders of the blood.

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We understand the importance of providing information and education to patients and families about their condition and treatment. This can be a frightening time for children and families and we take extra steps to provide comfort and support. Patients and families are at the center of our program. We treat children and young adults for:

• Cancer
• Hemophilia and other bleeding disorders
• Sickle cell disease
• Blood clotting disorders
• And other rare blood disorders

Many of our patients with life-threatening or chronic conditions are covered by the Children’s Special Health Care program offered by the State of Michigan. Through this Children’s Multidisciplinary Specialty (CMS) Clinic, we offer medical services provided by nutritionists, physical therapists, psychologists and dentists.

Our staff provides personalized care that helps patients’ medical, emotional and social needs. It includes:

• Doctors who are board certified in pediatric hematology/oncology
• Nurses who are certified by the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses
• Pediatric psychologist
• Social worker
• Clinical research team

Treatments

Cancer Treatments for Children and Young Adults

Bronson Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Specialists has been a member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) since 1991. COG is a national organization of more than 200 hospitals across North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. They design and conduct National Cancer Institute sponsored clinical trials. Through these trials, cancer doctors and researchers work together to create new treatments and cures. We offer young patients in southwest Michigan access to treatment that is considered the national standard of care. Our program provides a warm, highly personalized team-approach to the specific needs of patients and their families. We evaluate them for long-term side effects of therapy and provide ongoing support.

Our pediatric cancer care includes those in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) age range as well. Learn more about our AYA program.

To reduce the stress and discomfort associated with a diagnosis of cancer, every effort is made to treat patients on an outpatient basis. Our outpatient oncology clinic has multiple exam rooms and treatment rooms. A play area is available in the infusion center along with child life specialists. Our child life specialists help children become more comfortable with tests and procedures. Pet therapy is also available.

Treatments performed in the outpatient oncology clinic include:

• Chemotherapy infusions
• Blood transfusions
• Blood sampling
• Central line maintenance
• Procedures with moderate sedation, including spinal taps and bone marrow aspiration

If treatment requires hospitalization, medical care is given by our doctors and coordinated with the staff at Bronson Children’s Hospital. For additional information, visit www.childrensoncologygroup.org or www.curesearch.org.

Hemophilia and Other Bleeding Disorders

Bronson Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Specialists was chosen by the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan as southwest Michigan’s Pediatrics Center. Our doctors work closely with the nurses to provide evaluation, diagnosis and management of bleeding disorders, including hemophilia, Von Willebrand Disease, rare factor deficiencies and platelet function disorders. We educate patients and families so they know how:

• To reduce the risk of bleeding
• To handle injuries
• Genetics affect their condition
• To coordinate care

Our nurses follow patients with a diagnosed bleeding disorder through adulthood. Learn more about these services here. For additional information, visit www.hemophilia.org.

Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition where red blood cells are sickle/crescent shaped, instead of round. This slows down or blocks blood flow, and causes symptoms like:

• Anemia
• Tiredness
• Pain
• Swelling of the hands and feet
• Delayed growth and puberty
• Frequent infections
• Vision problems

Bronson Pediatric Oncology & Hematology Specialists is recognized by the State of Michigan as the region’s Pediatric Sickle Cell Center! We evaluate all newborns with an abnormal screen for sickle cell and other abnormal hemoglobinopathies. We provide care through childhood and adolescence and assist in transitioning individuals to an adult hematologist between the ages of 18 and 21.

Our staff works with families and schools to provide disease education, including management of complications, such as acute pain, stroke, infection, acute chest syndrome and splenic sequestration. We emphasize surveillance testing and use of preventive measures such as treatment with hydroxyurea to enhance and prolong the quality of life for our patients.

To better serve our patients in southwest Michigan, we have had a satellite clinic since 1998 at Lakeland Medical Center every 6 weeks. Located in St. Joseph, Michigan, this also provides access to care for sickle cell patients living in southwest Michigan. For additional information, visit www.sicklecelldisease.org.

Children's Multidisciplinary Specialty (CMS) Clinics

The patient care team is led by a pediatric hematologist/oncologist. Depending on the type of cancer and the treatment team, other members of the team may include a surgical specialist or radiation oncologist. Each patient and family will also work closely with an experienced oncology-certified pediatric nurse specialist. Many of our patients with life-threatening or chronic conditions are covered by the Children’s Special Health Care Services program offered by the State of Michigan. This gives access to additional medical services provided by nutritionists, physical therapists, child life specialists, psychologists and dental hygienists.

At Bronson Methodist Hospital, we know that the time of your child’s diagnosis and treatment can be stressful and we strive to provide an open, welcoming environment. We believe that no one knows a child as well as the parent does. Parents, along with primary care providers, become our partners in a child’s care and have an active voice in all treatment plans.