Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

The Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Department at Medical Park specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of blood and bone marrow diseases, as well as childhood cancers. While hematology focuses on blood-related disorders, pediatric hematology addresses these conditions specifically in children, where certain blood diseases and cancers are more common.

Our department works in close collaboration with Radiation Oncology, Pediatric Surgery, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiology to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment, tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Common Pediatric Hematologic Diseases

Nutritional Anemias

Anemia, commonly known as “low blood count,” occurs when red blood cells are insufficient to carry oxygen throughout the body. The most common types in children are caused by iron or vitamin B12 deficiency, though zinc, copper, and folic acid deficiencies can also play a role.
Symptoms may include fatigue, pale skin, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, brittle nails, cold hands and feet, and irritability. Diagnosis is made through blood tests, and treatment involves nutritional supplements and dietary adjustments based on the identified deficiency.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

ALL is the most common cancer in childhood and affects the blood and bone marrow. Symptoms include easy bruising or bleeding, fever, weakness, weight loss, bone pain, and painless swelling in lymph nodes. Diagnosis requires blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem cell transplantation.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

A form of bone marrow cancer, AML causes symptoms such as fever, bleeding, bruising, weakness, and unexplained weight loss. Diagnosis is confirmed through blood and bone marrow tests, and treatment involves chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and medication.

Aplastic Anemia

A rare disorder where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. In severe cases, cell production may stop completely. Diagnosis involves blood tests and bone marrow examination, and treatment includes immunosuppressive therapy or stem cell transplantation.

Thalassemia (Mediterranean Anemia)

A hereditary blood disorder, thalassemia can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include fatigue, growth delay, bone deformities, and, in advanced cases, heart or liver complications. Depending on severity, treatment may include blood transfusions, stem cell transplantation, or splenectomy (removal of the spleen).

Hemophilia

A genetic bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of clotting factors, hemophilia mainly affects boys but can occasionally be seen in girls. Prolonged bleeding, especially in joints, can cause pain and restricted movement. Diagnosis is made with laboratory tests, and lifelong management involves factor replacement therapy and preventive care.

Treatment Methods in Pediatric Hematology

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, also known as cytotoxic therapy, is used primarily in cancer treatment to destroy or stop the growth of malignant cells. The type and duration of chemotherapy are determined by the specific disease and its progression. At Medical Park, chemotherapy is administered in sterile, HEPA-filtered environments by experienced nurses to ensure patient safety.

Radiotherapy

Also known as radiation therapy, this method uses high-dose radiation to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It is applied by radiation oncologists, especially in cases involving lymph node involvement or tumor-related blood disorders.

Bone Marrow (Stem Cell) Transplantation

In certain blood and bone marrow disorders—especially leukemia—the main issue is the disruption of normal blood cell production. Stem cell transplantation aims to restore healthy blood formation using stem cells collected from a compatible donor or the patient’s own body.
Donors may include HLA-matched siblings, relatives, unrelated compatible donors, or even cord blood from a newborn sibling. Before transplantation, the patient’s immune system is suppressed to allow successful engraftment, and the process is conducted in a sterile environment to prevent infection.

Pediatric Hematology at Medical Park

At Medical Park, the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit features six fully HEPA-filtered rooms designed for safe and sterile treatment. Each patient receives a personalized preparation protocol based on disease characteristics and prior chemotherapy history.
Our unit is accredited by the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT), ensuring high international standards for both bone marrow and cord blood transplants.

All cases are evaluated in regular Tumor Council meetings, where specialists from Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Pediatric Surgery, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiology collaborate to develop the most effective, individualized treatment plan for each child.