Cancer in Children 
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Pediatric cancer care is provided by Geisinger Cancer Services and the Pediatrics Department through the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital and outpatient clinic. Physicians specializing in the care of children are board certified in Pediatric Hematology / Oncology. To accurately diagnose and treat patients, they team with:

  • Pediatric surgeons
  • Radiation oncologists
  • Radiologists
  • Pathologists

Additional patient and family support is provided by:

  • Social services
  • Child Life Services
  • Spiritual Care
  • Behavioral medicine
  • Counseling services

Key to patient care, our nurses are chemotherapy certified and many have more than 20 years in the specialty. The entire team shares a passion for helping children. More about Geisinger pediatric cancer care:

Leading edge care close to home

The Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Geisinger Medical Center is a member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG). COG is the largest international group of hospitals and institutions that collaborate on clinical and research trials for identifying the best cancer treatment for children and adolescents. 

Children diagnosed with cancer at Geisinger are placed on a COG treatment protocol or treated according to COG care protocols and standards. Treatment protocols are the same in all COG institutions, regardless of location. Children treated in Danville, PA, receive the same treatment and care as those treated in New York or Chicago.

Age-appropriate care

From infant to adolescent, we provide research-based, leading edge treatments specialized for children. If a cancer diagnosis is made in the adolescent years, follow-up in our department continues through early adulthood before transitioning to a primary care provider.

Patient comfort is very important. Every opportunity is taken to provide age-appropriate care that recognizes differences in maturity and understanding. For example:

  • Most pediatric cancer patients will place a central venous catheter in a large arm or chest vein to limit the need for frequent needle sticks. 
  • Patients staying in the hospital for treatment can have parents stay with them. Ronald McDonald House is also available for parent overnight stays.
  • Child Life teams use distraction during procedures and patient-friendly restraining techniques to make procedures less threatening.
  • Art and music activities and play therapy are planned for children receiving inpatient and outpatient care to familiarize them with procedures.
  • TV and game stations are provided where children receive chemotherapy.
  • While in the hospital, a child may receive a therapy dog or other approved pet visit through the Tender Paws Pet Therapy Program.

Support for the entire family

A cancer diagnosis is devastating to the entire family. Our Social Services Department assists the family in applying for financial help through Medical Assistance. We also provide referrals to community resources that may supply financial aide and transportation. By helping to meet the needs of your family, we help you to focus on helping your child get better.

Fostering childhood

Normalcy is very important to children fighting cancer and we urge them to enjoy typical childhood activities. Eligible patients are encouraged to attend Camp Dost, a one-week camp for cancer children. Camp nurses and doctors care for the children and can administer chemotherapy, if needed. Children may bring a brother or sister for a companion.

We encourage children to attend school when possible or have the school district provide homebound education. A hospital teacher is also available.

pediatric cancers treated by geisinger

Leukemia

  • Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
  • Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

Cancer of the central nervous system 

  • Brain tumors
  • Neuroblastoma

Sarcomas

  • Osteosarcoma
  • Ewing's Sarcoma
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma

Lymphoma

  • Hodgkin disease
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Liver cancer

  • Hepatoblastoma

Kidney cancer

  • Wilms tumor
  • Clear cell sarcoma

Other cancers

  • Retinoblastoma
  • Germ cell tumors