Leukemia in children
Our experienced pediatric oncology team can diagnose and treat all forms of childhood leukemia. We offer the latest in treatment options and national clinical trials for leukemia, as well as the only pediatric blood and bone marrow transplant program in West Michigan. Based on the type, your child’s age and many other factors, we’ll develop a personalized plan for your son or daughter, with the ultimate goal of a cure.
Find a Pediatric Oncologist
Our experienced pediatric doctors and specialists are ready to serve you and your family.
Leukemia refers to cancers of the white blood cells. The body produces large numbers of abnormal (leukemia) white blood cells, which crowd out the normal bone marrow and spread into the bloodstream. Leukemia is the most common form of childhood cancer, but most forms are also highly curable.
Your Child's Care Begins Here
When your child is facing a diagnosis of leukemia, you can trust the pediatric oncology team at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. Our children's oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and other family-centered health care professionals focus their efforts on providing the most effective treatment possible.
Chemotherapy is the main treatment for childhood leukemia. Other treatments include radiation therapy and highly targeted immune and biologic therapies. A stem cell (blood or bone marrow) transplant may also be needed. If so, our blood and bone marrow transplant program is accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), which means that we meet or exceed rigorous national quality standards for patient care and cell therapy treatments.
Treatments We Provide
Chemotherapy
During chemotherapy, intravenous, oral or injected medicines are used to destroy leukemia cells throughout the body.
Radiation Therapy
A radiation oncologist will determine the type and dose of radiation that's best and safest for your child, if this treatment is necessary.
Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplant
This process delivers healthy bone marrow (stem cells) to restore bone marrow function. Before the transplant, intensive chemotherapy treatment is needed to destroy as many cancer cells as possible which sets the stage for new bone marrow recovery.
Targeted Therapies
In a targeted therapy, specific immune and biologic medications are used to "tag" and attack cancer cells without injuring normal cells.