HEMATOLOGY (BLOOD DISORDERS) IN INDIA
The hematology/oncology (hem/onc) program provides tertiary level specialty care for infants, children and adolescents with cancer and blood related disorders. Many children seen in this center have Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), Wilms’ Tumor, Neuroblastoma, Astrocytoma, Carcinomas and Sarcomas.
The JJCCC core hem/onc team includes the pediatric hematologist/oncologist, a clinical nurse specialist, social worker, dietician, clinical psychologist and pediatric dentists. When needed, pediatric sub-specialists, surgeons, pharmacists, pathologists, respiratory care practitioners and occupation, speech and physical therapists join the team.
Treatment & Research in India
The most common types of treatments for children in the Hematology/Cncology Center are radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The hem/onc team meets to review clinical cases and make recommendations on the type of therapy and other care that is most appropriate for each patient. In partnership with the Children’s Oncology Group, children also can be enrolled in clinical trials to have access to leading therapies and treatments. The hem/onc care team and the hematologist/oncologist discuss this with the family when there is a clinical trial available that fits the individual patient’s needs.
Condition Management in India
The hem/onc care team offers multi-specialty medical care, including assessment, consultation, treatment and preventative care. Developmental screening and psychological evaluation are tools the hem/onc team uses to ensure the condition and treatment plan is being managed appropriately. The hematologist/oncologist acts as a consult for any patient that is hospitalized with a pediatric hematology/oncology condition.
Follow-Up Care in India
Psychosocial programs such as family support, education, community support and school reintegration are weaved into the condition management of the child. The STAR Late Effects Program is an important part of the follow-up care for a child in the Hematology/Oncology Center, because it ensures that a child is progressing in developmental and cognitive growth even after the side effects of treatment. Screenings, diagnostic testing and neuropsychological tests can be ordered to ensure that there aren’t negative, long-term effects on patients who received chemotherapy, radiotherapy or blood transfusions.
The cornea is the transparent front portion of the eye that permits light to enter the eye and focus on the retina. Normally crystal clear, it can become cloudy or misshapen, causing gravely reduced vision or blindness. Fortunately, diseased corneas can now be replaced successfully through transplantation (medically termed “keratoplasty”) using human donor cornea .
