Clinical Services

The hematology and oncology program at Brenner is the region’s leading program for the care and treatment of cancer and blood disorders; our clinical experts diagnose and treat a wide range of cancer/blood disorder conditions in pediatric patients. We work with a team of multidisciplinary experts to help our patients heal and get better using the latest in state-of-the-art technology and medical advancements.

In our 16 inpatient beds and 6 dedicated outpatient clinic rooms, patients receive the highest level of care from our dedicated team of doctors, nurses, social workers and clinical technicians, all of whom have specialized training and experience in the care for children with cancer and blood disorders.

Family-Centered Care

At Brenner, we believe in the philosophy of family-centered care. We work closely with families to develop individualized and customized treatment plans for their child and are always available to answer any questions parents and other family members may have. Brenner’s pediatric hematologists, oncologists and radiation oncologists work closely with a team of multidisciplinary experts at Brenner, as well as our patients’ pediatricians, to provide streamlined and comprehensive care throughout diagnosis, treatment and long-term care.

[Learn about the Children's Cancer Support Program.]

Diagnosis

Brenner’s specialists use state-of-the-art technology to swiftly and effectively diagnose and treat children with cancer and blood diseases. We use advanced imaging techniques to view detailed images inside our patients’ bodies and specific blood tests to detect abnormalities as early as possible. 

Treatments

After a patient is diagnosed, we assemble a team of experts who design a specific treatment plan, customized to the patient’s needs. These may include chemotherapy, blood transfusions, bone marrow and stem cell transplants, minimally invasive surgeries and radiation therapy. Many of our patients qualify for enrollment on Children's Oncology Group therapeutic studies which offer state of the art care across the country. See www.curesearch.org.  

Radiation  Oncology

Radiation therapy is a treatment option for many cancers. Our specialized targeted radiation therapies pinpoint a tumor’s exact location and anticipate its potential movement. Led by Dr. Kevin P. McMullen, our radiation oncologists create custom radiation beams to fit particular tumors and minimize damage to surrounding tissue and other areas. Advanced radiation oncology diagnostic tools and therapies include the following:

Brachytherapy – radioactive seeds are placed near a tumor to give it high doses of directly targeted radiation, minimizing exposure to surrounding tissue; a tumor site is located using our advanced technology and radiation delivery is mapped out with pinpoint accuracy

External Beam Therapy – a machine that delivers beams of radiation directly at a tumor site and not at surrounding tissue

Gamma Knife – a device that delivers a high dose of radiation directly at a tumor that spares surrounding tissue from damage

Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) – imaging in real time that helps determine the location of a tumor prior to radiation therapy

Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) - 3-D imaging used to plan the delivery of high-dose radiation directly at a tumor, reducing risk to the surrounding area

Magnetic Resonance or MR Simulation - advanced imaging used to help create a specific radiation treatment plan

Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography or PET CT Simulation – a diagnostic tool that locates cancer cells and the areas they affect

Axesse™ Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy – therapy used to pinpoint the exact location of and deliver high doses of radiation to hard-to-reach tumors

Blood Disorders Treatment

Brenner’s pediatric hematologists specialize in treating a wide range of blood disorders using comprehensive care, including medication therapy, blood transfusions and, when needed, the removal of blood clots using minimally invasive surgery.

Research

Pediatric research is an essential component of Brenner Children’s Hospital’s overall mission. The experts at Brenner’s pediatric hematology and oncology program participate in clinical trials and research studies to advance our discipline. Our pediatric professionals collaborate with our colleagues at Brenner and at other institutions throughout the United States to search for new and better ways to care for pediatric patients and improve their health outcomes. Our membership in the Children’s Oncology Group enables us to give our patients access to cutting-edge clinical trials aimed at finding better ways to diagnose and treat pediatric cancer.

Long-Term Cancer Survivor Program (AWAKE) 

New treatments and better medicines for cancer and blood disorders means more children are surviving cancer and living long and fulfilling lives. Brenner houses an extensive long-term survivor program that works with children and their families to come up with the best possible long-term care plan. Each week, we see survivors of all ages and provide them with annual cancer screenings and reviews of medical history, an adult patient care coordination program and medical management and care for any new conditions resulting from treatment.

Support and Counseling

Brenner’s expansive team of psychologists, social workers, chaplains and child life specialists works closely with parents, their children and their families during the entire treatment and recovery period. We offer multiple support and group programs to help our patients and their families.

Parent Coffee Hour – weekly meetings held in our inpatient unit where parents meet and connect with each other and counselors for support; free coffee and snacks are provided

Child and Teen Groups – monthly meetings that use art, photography and music therapy to give our patients a break from treatment and a chance to connect with each other; this program is guided by Brenner’s Art for Life group

Sibling Group – monthly support groups that give patients’ siblings a chance to meet and connect with other siblings of Brenner patients going through the same experience; this program is led by Brenner’s counseling staff

We additionally offer counseling for children and their families that covers multiple areas of the treatment/recovery period, including diagnosis and treatment, change and relationship stress, behavioral problems and school-related issues and depression, anxiety and/or grief.

For more details about these support groups and counseling services, please contact Jeff Ungetheim at 336-713-5984 or jungethe@wakehealth.edu.