ONCOLOGY PROGRAMS

Some of the specialized programs offered are listed below. To see a more complete list of Conditions We Treat, click here.

• Neuro-oncology
• Bone Marrow Transplant
• Sarcoma
• Integrative Medicine
• Leukemia/High-Risk Leukemia

Caring for children with cancer demands a comprehensive approach that one doctor alone cannot provide. Pediatric surgeons, subspecialty surgeons for specific forms of cancer, pediatric anesthesiologists, pediatric nurse practitioners are specially trained to care for kids with cancer or blood diseases.

Care is delivered in the atmosphere of strong Departments of Pediatrics which offer the support of other specialists no matter what problems arise (ie. PICU, neurology, cardiology, etc). The Program also provides for the specific needs of children with cancer in the context of kids going through similar issues and offers the patient and family to interact with other families that are going through not only the same type of illness but others as well.

HEMATOLOGY PROGRAMS at MOUNT SINAI

• Hemophilia
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Blood Clotting Conditions, Thrombophilia
• Vascular Malformations

The Mount Sinai Hospital has a long history of excellence in Hematology in all the areas of clinical care and research. Physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers and other members of the health care team who specialize in both adult and pediatric hematology work together to assure that all patients have access to comprehensive, state-of-the art care. An active laboratory research program seeks to provide more effective therapy for a variety of hematological conditions. In addition to three programs in hemophilia, sickle cell disease and thrombophilia, our physicians provide care to children with anemia secondary to hemoglobinopathy, red cell membrane or enzyme disorders, aplastic anemia (including Fanconi's anemia), thrombocytopenia (ITP), neutropenia, polycythemia and thrombocytosis.

The Comprehensive Hemophilia Treatment Program

Children with hemophilia and other congenital bleeding disorders are seen in our Hematology Clinic and in the Comprehensive Hemophilia Center. Our comprehensive approach to patients with chronic bleeding disorders has been shown to greatly improve the outcome and the quality of life for these children. Mount Sinai was one of the first medical centers in the country to establish a multidisciplinary treatment center staffed by dedicated individuals with specific expertise and experience in the care of children and adults with hemophilia. The Mount Sinai Regional Hemophilia Treatment Center is part of a network of federally funded centers in the United States. Mount Sinai is the Regional Grantee for the New York metropolitan region. The reputation of Mount Sinai goes far beyond New York and the United States especially with the quality of the musculoskeletal program under the leadership of Dr Marvin Gilbert.

Dr. Christopher Walsh, a noted expert in gene therapy for Hemophilia and other blood diseases has recently been recruited to lead the Hemophilia Program. Basic research done at Mount Sinai is leading to improved treatments. Our staff includes nurses, social workers, clinical coordinator, physical therapist, dental hygienist, geneticist, infectious disease and psychiatrist consultants exclusively dedicated to the patients in the hemophilia center. Education plays a critical role in the care of the patients. Integration in "normal" life is one of the goals of the program; including teaching home care, helping for carrier choice, and identifying appropriate physical activities. Patients have an opportunity to participate in clinical trials involving the use of safer blood products, new approaches to treatment and surveillance of new possible infections. Pediatric patients participate in camp, field trips and entertaining and social activities. Our nurses and social workers visit the home and school to educate the families, teachers and classmates involved in the care of the children.

The Thrombophilia Program

Thrombosis or blood clots has become a "hot" issue in pediatric hematology mainly because the recognition of genetic predispositions to the development of blood clots and the increased use of central venous lines to facilitate therapy in children with a variety of conditions. Congenital predisposition for thrombosis, however, has been shown to be a significant risk factor not only for central line associated thrombosis but also for spontaneous thrombosis. Identification of young women at risk for blood clots because of the use of oral contraceptives or pregnancy becomes an issue in adolescent medicine. Care of children and adolescents with thrombosis and stroke is an evolving area that requires specific expertise. The Thrombophilia Program at Mount Sinai provides the latest tests to identify the cause of blood clots and uses the most effective medications to treat existing clots and prevent the formation of new ones.

The Sickle Cell Program

Our pediatric hematologists have been delivering state of the art care to all patients with Sickle Cell Disease for several decades. Basic research at Mount Sinai has included gene therapy for hemoglobinopathy, studies on cell interactions that lead to the excessive adhesion of red cells, and enhancement of fetal hemoglobin to minimize the symptoms of sickle cell disease. Our Sickle Cell Program is a comprehensive program designed to provide holistic care. Patients have access to social workers, genetic counselors, a dedicated cardiologist, pulmonologists, neurologists, and psychologists. Together with our experienced Pediatric Intensive Care Unit staff we treat the most life threatening complications such as stroke and acute chest syndrome. The blood bank provides quick accessibility to hemopheresis for emergencies. The philosophy of care calls for close collaboration with the pediatrician who is providing "well child care" to the patient. Visits to the Sickle Cell Clinic emphasize care of the sickle cell disease related complications and education. Children and their families have opportunities to participate in camp and other extracurricular activities. Parents and children learn how to access information about their disease through the library, the web and group discussion.

HEMATOLOGY PROGRAMS at NYU

Click here for information about the NYU Medical Center Pediatric Hematology Program.

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