Pediatric oncology
Pediatric oncology focuses on the treatment of cancers that occur in children, from infants to teens. Cancer often manifests differently in children as they grow and develop. Pediatric oncology offers specialized cancer care to focus on the unique needs of childhood cancers.
Cancer doctors in San Antonio
If your child has been diagnosed with cancer, it can be a challenging and uncertain time for your family.
At Methodist Children’s Hospital Cancer and Blood Center, you and your family have the support of our compassionate specialists. In addition to advanced cancer treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants, we provide psychosocial support through services such as art therapy and oncology psychology.
Have cancer questions?
We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.
We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Our team in San Antonio takes a personalized and holistic approach to pediatric cancer care. We are not only focused on finding the most effective therapy for your child but also on developing treatment plans that consider the physical and emotional side effects of cancer care.
About our oncology program
Methodist Children's Hospital has been home to one of the country's most trusted pediatric cancer programs since 1993. Our patients have access to the latest therapies and treatment options, including leading-edge clinical trials. We're also the only facility in San Antonio to offer the groundbreaking CAR-T cell therapy.
Pediatric cancers we treat
We work towards treating a range of pediatric cancers and blood disorders, including:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- Acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML)
- Autoimmune disorders
- Bone marrow failures
- Brain cancer, including medulloblastoma
- Chronic myeloblastic leukemia (CML)
- Germ cell tumors
- Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
- Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML)
- Neuroblastoma
- Primary immunodeficiencies, such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
- Sarcomas
- Sickle cell disease
- Thalassemia
- Wilms tumor
Pediatric cancer treatments in San Antonio
At Methodist Children's Hospital Cancer and Blood Center, we tailor each plan to fit your child's unique diagnosis and needs. Treatment can include:
- Bone marrow transplant
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy, including CAR-T cell therapy
- Surgery, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery options
- Radiation therapy
Depending on your child's diagnosis, we may also create a genetic profile based on a tumor biopsy. This tumor profile will help us find a more personalized treatment that's targeted to your child's specific type of cancer.
Clinical trials
Our program offers cutting-edge treatments through clinical trials. These experimental therapies are not yet widely available and offer an alternative to standard treatment. We're actively participating in trials studying gene therapy and immunotherapy treatments.
Psychosocial support
Because we take a holistic approach to cancer care, your child's treatment may also include services to support your child's social and emotional health, such as:
- Art therapy
- Child life specialists
- Oncology psychology
- Oncology social work
Specialized programs
Besides offering the latest pediatric cancer treatments, we also provide special programs and support services tailored to our young patients, including:
- Adolescent and young adult (AYA) services – These programs are focused on the AYA population. They include recreational therapy, peer support and mentoring, fertility health counseling, long-term follow-up and more.
- Cancer care navigators – Experienced and compassionate nurse navigators support patients through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
- Genetic counseling – Genetic testing can help show whether your child or family members have an inherited cancer risk. Our genetic counselors can help explain the testing process and talk through the tests' pros and cons.
- Pediatric Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Program – Methodist Children's is home to one of the country's most experienced blood and marrow stem cell transplant programs. Our skilled team has performed more than 750 transplants since launching in 1993. It's the only center in San Antonio to earn accreditation from the Foundation of the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).
Accreditations
- Commission on Cancer accredited
- FACT-accredited blood and marrow transplant program
Visiting Methodist Children's Hospital
Methodist Children's Hospital Cancer and Blood Center is located at 4410 Medical Drive, Suite 550.
The inpatient hematology/oncology unit is located on the 4th floor of Methodist Children's Hospital.
We offer valet parking or you can self-park in Garage 2 or Garage 3.
About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute
As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.
askSARAH helpline
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (210) 507-0941.
Videos about our Pediatric oncology services
Should I be concerned about my child's frequent headaches?
Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist, Dr. Maria Falcon-Cantrill discusses the signs and symptoms of neurological cancers in children. If your child is experiencing frequent headaches, it could be sinus pressure from allergies, but it could also be a sign of cancer.
Looking for a location?
Our Pediatric oncology Locations