Pediatric Radiation Oncology
The Pediatric Radiation Oncology Department at Burjeel Cancer Institute offers advanced radiation therapy specifically designed for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. Our pediatric radiation oncologists use cutting-edge technologies to deliver precise, targeted radiation treatments while minimizing side effects. We are committed to providing compassionate, multidisciplinary care tailored to the unique needs of young patients, ensuring the best possible outcomes while preserving quality of life.
Conditions We Treat
We provide radiation therapy for a wide range of pediatric cancers, including:
- Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
- Neuroblastoma
- Wilms' Tumor
- Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Osteosarcoma
- Ewing Sarcoma
- Retinoblastoma
- Leukemia
- Other Solid Tumors and Rare Pediatric Cancers
Radiation Therapy Techniques
Our team uses advanced radiation techniques to ensure the most effective and least invasive treatment options for pediatric patients:
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Delivers high-precision radiation, allowing for modulation of radiation doses to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
Offers high doses of radiation to small, well-defined tumors in fewer sessions, often used for brain and spinal cord tumors.
Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)
Delivers radiation therapy in a 360-degree arc, increasing precision and reducing treatment time.
Proton Therapy
An advanced form of radiation therapy that delivers highly targeted radiation, especially beneficial for children, as it minimizes radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Brachytherapy
Internal radiation treatment used for certain pediatric cancers such as cervical or retinoblastoma.
Our Approach to Treatment
We take a child-centered, multidisciplinary approach to radiation oncology, ensuring that each child receives tailored care designed to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects:
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every child's treatment plan is customized based on their cancer type, stage, and overall health. We use the most advanced imaging and radiation technologies to create precise treatment plans.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Our radiation oncologists work closely with pediatric oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and palliative care specialists to ensure comprehensive care.
Minimizing Side Effects
We prioritize techniques that reduce exposure to healthy tissue, aiming to minimize both short-term and long-term side effects, particularly in growing children.
Family-Centered Care
We support families by providing clear communication, guidance, and emotional support throughout the child's treatment journey.
Diagnostic and Monitoring Tools
We use advanced imaging and monitoring tools to ensure the safe and precise delivery of radiation therapy to pediatric patients:
Pediatric-Specific Imaging
High-resolution MRI, CT scans, and PET-CT for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning.
Daily Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
Ensures real-time accuracy in radiation delivery by capturing daily imaging before each treatment session.
Tumor Monitoring
Advanced monitoring techniques to assess tumor response to radiation and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
Intraoperative MRI (iMRI)
Used for certain tumors, particularly in the brain and spinal cord, to ensure precise treatment while minimizing risk to surrounding tissues.
Supportive Care and Patient Services
Our pediatric radiation oncology care includes a wide range of supportive services to enhance the quality of life for both children and their families:
Pediatric Palliative Care
Focused on managing pain and symptoms during and after treatment to improve the child's comfort and overall quality of life.
Child Life Services
Helping children cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of cancer treatment through play therapy, counseling, and education.
Nutritional Support
Providing individualized dietary plans to support children during radiation therapy, ensuring they receive the nutrition they need for optimal growth and healing.
Rehabilitation Services
Tailored physical and occupational therapy to help children recover strength and mobility after treatment.
Family Counseling
Emotional and psychological support for families dealing with the stress of a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
Advanced Radiation Therapy Techniques
We offer the latest and most advanced radiation therapies for pediatric patients, ensuring high precision and reduced long-term side effects:
Proton Therapy
A cutting-edge treatment that delivers highly targeted doses of radiation, reducing damage to surrounding tissues and minimizing side effects. Ideal for tumors in sensitive areas such as the brain or spinal cord.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
A non-invasive, high-precision radiation therapy option often used for small brain tumors or metastases.
Brachytherapy
Internal radiation used to deliver high doses of radiation directly to the tumor while limiting exposure to nearby tissues.
Patient Journey
We provide comprehensive care and support throughout every stage of the treatment process:
Initial Consultation
A comprehensive assessment by a pediatric radiation oncologist, including review of diagnostic imaging, pathology, and medical history, followed by the development of a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment Planning
Detailed planning sessions using advanced imaging to ensure precise targeting of the tumor and minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues.
Radiation Therapy Sessions
Treatment is delivered over several sessions, with real-time monitoring to ensure accurate radiation delivery.
Post-Treatment Care
Regular follow-up appointments to monitor the child's recovery, assess treatment outcomes, and manage any potential side effects.
Long-Term Follow-Up
Ongoing care to monitor for late effects of radiation therapy and ensure the child's long-term health and development.
