Pediatrics and Neonatology

PediatricHematology and Oncology

Although only 1% of all cancers occur in children (<19 years of age), it is the second leading cause of childhood death. Early detection and prompt therapy have the potential to prolong survival and frequently cure the disease. Many factors are considered in determining the treatment goals for an individual patient: the type of cancer, its stage of growth, the patient's age, and family members' wishes. The discipline of PediatricHematology and Oncology has continued to expand in both the clinical and basic science arenas over the last several decades. Discoveries of dominant oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes, gene transfer technology and hematopoietic growth factors have opened new areas of clinical and basic research, as well as provided new potential therapies for patients. Both the demonstrated improvement in care for pediatric patients with hematologic-oncologic disorders as well as the scientific excitement generated through research directed toward understanding of these disorders ensures that the discipline of logy/Oncology will continue to be an exciting part of pediatric medicine and science in the future