Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Pediatric Oncology

The center offers:

• 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, and 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

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