Pediatric Programs
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
The Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Program is a discrete part of the pediatric Oncology Program. We utilize the expertise of both Children's Hospital Boston, one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a nationally recognized leader in cancer care and a member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. Members of our physician team all have specific expertise in pediatric lymphomas. Specific disciplines include oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, interventional and diagnostic radiology, and hematopathology. We treat all forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and related disorders. The Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Program offers comprehensive multi-disciplinary evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, consultation services and long-term follow-up for pediatric and adolescent patients with any type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Diagnostic evaluation
- State of the art radiologic imaging including gallium scans, PET scans, MRI, CT, bone scans
- Biopsy via interventional radiology, minimally invasive surgery such as thoracoscopy or open surgery
- Pathologic diagnosis with access to specialized services such as classical cytogenetics, FISH, molecular techniques such as PCR, flow cytometry
Treatments
- Modalities
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Surgery
- High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation (autologous transplantation)
- Options for newly diagnosed lymphoma
- Access to most current research studies via the national cooperative group, Children's Oncology Group
- Individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs
- Options for recurrent lymphoma
- Access to experimental therapies via local and national studies
- High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell support
- Individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team with focus on palliative care and symptom management
Long-term follow-up
We have an established multidisciplinary program that specializes in long-term issues for cancer survivors, the Perini Quality of Life Clinic. This program addresses the medical, psycho-social and financial consequences of cancer survivorship.
Consultation
We offer comprehensive multidisciplinary consultation services to physicians and families at the time of diagnosis, on therapy, at relapse and in follow-up
Other services provided include:
- Alternative medicine consultation and treatment integrated into the comprehensive care plan.
- Resource specialist to help families apply for assistance from cancer-related organizations and relevant federal and local programs.
- Ronald McDonald House for short-term lodging.
- Pediatric psychologists and social workers available for patients, siblings and parents.
- Medical ethics consultation.
- Integrated relationship with other adult and pediatric subspecialty physicians and services such as cardiology, pulmonary, endocrinology, reproductive and gynecologic services, neurology, anesthesia, dermatology, nutrition, physical therapy.
- Infectious disease physicians who specialize in the care of cancer patients.
- Specialists in managing cancer pain.
- School re-entry program.
Inpatient care
Provided at Children's Hospital Boston on a dedicated oncology unit with specialized nursing care including primary nursing, daily teaching session, clinical nurse specialists, staff with certification in pediatric oncology nursing (CPON); nurse practitioner; child life specialists and dedicated activity rooms for all ages; dedicated adolescent activity center; pastoral care services; discharge planning team; age-appropriate tutoring.
Outpatient care
Provided at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the Jimmy Fund Clinic. Services include primary nursing, comprehensive age-based day hospital facilities, dedicated pediatric oncologic pharmacy support, staff with certification in pediatric oncology nursing (CPON), child life specialists, dedicated activity room, resource room for families. Medical treatments provided include chemotherapy, transfusion support and other supportive care.
