Hematology & Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation
The Pediatric Hematology Department at Burjeel Cancer Institute specializes in diagnosing and treating blood disorders and cancers in children and adolescents. Our expert pediatric hematologists provide comprehensive care for a wide range of hematologic conditions, from common disorders like anemia to complex diseases like leukemia and other blood cancers. We take a multidisciplinary approach, working with oncologists, surgeons, and pediatric specialists to deliver personalized, compassionate care to young patients and their families.
Conditions We Treat
Our pediatric hematology team provides expert care for a variety of blood disorders and cancers, including:
- Leukemia (ALL and AML)
- Lymphoma (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's)
- Aplastic Anemia
- Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Thalassemia (alpha and beta)
- Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
- Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes
- Inherited Blood Disorders
- Other Rare Hematologic Conditions
Treatment Options
Our pediatric hematologists provide advanced treatment options tailored to each child's specific condition:
Chemotherapy
Used to treat blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Tailored pediatric protocols are designed to minimize side effects while effectively targeting cancer cells.
Blood Transfusions
Used to treat anemia, thalassemia, and other conditions that affect the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells.
Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT)
A life-saving treatment for children with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders that replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
Immunotherapy
Harnesses the body's immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells, especially in cases of leukemia and lymphoma.
Gene Therapy
A cutting-edge treatment for certain genetic blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, offering the potential for a cure by correcting the genetic defect causing the disease.
Medications for Blood Disorders
Tailored pharmacological treatments for conditions like hemophilia, ITP, and sickle cell disease to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Our Approach to Treatment
We are committed to providing personalized, child-centered care for pediatric patients with blood disorders and cancers:
Individualized Treatment Plans
Each child receives a customized treatment plan based on their diagnosis, age, and overall health. Our pediatric hematologists work closely with oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care.
Family-Centered Care
We work closely with families to ensure they are involved in decision-making and fully understand their child's diagnosis and treatment options.
Minimizing Side Effects
Our treatment plans are designed to minimize short- and long-term side effects, helping children maintain their physical, emotional, and developmental health during and after treatment.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Our pediatric hematologists collaborate with oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and nurses to provide integrated care that addresses all aspects of the child's health.
Diagnostic and Monitoring Tools
We use advanced diagnostic tools to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective monitoring of pediatric blood disorders:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A standard test to assess red and white blood cells and platelets, used to diagnose anemia, leukemia, and other blood disorders.
Bone Marrow Biopsy
Used to examine the health of the bone marrow and diagnose conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, and bone marrow failure syndromes.
Flow Cytometry
A technique used to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of cells, often used to diagnose blood cancers.
Genetic Testing
Identifies genetic mutations that contribute to inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
A test used to diagnose blood disorders like sickle cell disease and thalassemia by analyzing the types of hemoglobin present in the blood.
Supportive Care and Patient Services
In addition to treating blood disorders and cancers, we offer a range of supportive care services to enhance the well-being of our pediatric patients:
Pediatric Palliative Care
Focuses on improving quality of life by managing symptoms, providing emotional support, and helping families navigate the challenges of treatment.
Psychosocial Support
Our counselors and psychologists work with children and families to address the emotional and psychological challenges of a serious diagnosis.
Nutritional Support
Tailored nutritional plans to ensure that children receive the nutrients they need to stay strong during treatment and recovery.
Rehabilitation Services
Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs designed to help children regain strength, mobility, and independence following treatment.
Family Counseling
Ongoing emotional and psychological support for families, helping them cope with the challenges of caring for a child with a serious illness.
Advanced Hematology Techniques
Our pediatric hematology team uses the latest technologies and treatments to ensure the best possible outcomes for our young patients:
Gene Therapy
A revolutionary treatment for genetic blood disorders like sickle cell disease and thalassemia, offering the potential for a cure by correcting the underlying genetic defect.
Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT)
A life-saving procedure for children with blood cancers and severe blood disorders, providing healthy stem cells to replace damaged bone marrow.
Immunotherapy
A treatment that helps the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells, used in certain pediatric blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
Patient Journey
Our pediatric hematology patients receive compassionate care and support throughout their treatment journey:
Initial Consultation
A comprehensive assessment by a pediatric hematologist, including blood tests, imaging, and genetic testing to diagnose the condition.
Treatment Planning: A personalized treatment plan is developed based on the child's specific diagnosis, age, and overall health.
Treatment
Chemotherapy, blood transfusions, immunotherapy, or bone marrow transplantation may be used to treat blood disorders and cancers.
Follow-Up Care
Ongoing monitoring and supportive care, including regular blood tests and check-ups to assess progress and manage side effects.
Long-Term Follow-Up
Continued care and monitoring to ensure the child's long-term health and well-being, including addressing any late effects of treatment.
Meet Our Experts
Our pediatric hematology team includes specialists in:
Dr. Fouzia Nambiatheyil Aboobacker
Pediatric Oncology, Hematology & Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation
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