Cancer Care (Pediatric)

World-class care for children, adolescents and young adults with cancer

Pediatric cancers are very different from adult cancers for several reasons.  First of all, the type of cancers seen in children are different than those diagnosed in adults.  Second, unlike with many adult cancers, it isn't clear what causes childhood cancer. The genetic defects behind childhood cancer are very unique. Lastly, childhood cancers are relatively uncommon, therefore requiring a highly specialized and dedicated multidisciplinary team of expert doctors, nurses and other health professionals to achieve best results. 

The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive care for children, adolescents and young adults with all forms of childhood cancer, including rare and resistant forms of cancer.  Our experienced physicians offer the most advanced therapies for patients who are newly diagnosed, and those seeking innovative treatments for rare, relapsed and recurrent cancers.

Why choose us?

Research and clinical trials

C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital is a recognized leader in pediatric cancer treatment and research, with the largest pediatric research effort in the state of Michigan. Our researchers in the Center for Childhood Cancer are conducting basic science, translational and clinical research geared toward finding a cure for childhood cancer and improving the toxicity of current treatments.  We are a very active member of the Children's Oncology Group Phase I and Phase II-III consortiums, offering families access to a wide range of clinical trials designed to find new treatments for childhood cancers. We have the most comprehensive and largest portfolio of clinical trials in the state of Michigan for relapsed cancers, many of which were developed here at U-M.  

Experience and expertise

Our dedicated pediatric oncology team members have spent their careers specializing in care for all forms of childhood cancer, from the most common types of cancer to extremely rare childhood cancers. Families travel to Mott from around the country, and patients are referred to us from every other pediatric oncology center in the state for second opinions, or for enrollment into one of our many innovative experimental clinical trials. 

Our Blood & Marrow Transplantation program is the largest in the State of Michigan. As part of a comprehensive children’s hospital, as well as the internationally renowned University of Michigan Health System, we have access to experts in virtually every medical specialty to support the needs of our patients.

Collaboration and team work

Pediatric oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians attend weekly multidisciplinary treatment planning meetings to discuss each patient’s progress, drawing upon our collective expertise to provide a thorough, comprehensive approach to the care of children with cancer. Our treatment teams also include nationally recognized, highly trained, experienced pediatric nurse practitioners who specialize in childhood cancer and work very closely with our physicians. 

In addition to our highly respected clinical staff, Mott Children’s Hospital is home to lab-based researchers who are dedicated to studying the same cancers our physicians treat in clinic every day. This collaboration between practicing oncologists and internationally renowned laboratory scientists allows us to fast-forward advances in research and treatment to benefit our patients very quickly.  

Support for your clinical journey

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the journey that lies ahead can seem overwhelming. We provide a level of support that is not always available in other centers.  

Our Patient & Family Education Resource Center provides a vital link between families and the most current cancer information resources. It is a full-service library housing a comprehensive collection of print and audiovisual resources on all aspects of cancer.   

Our interactive skills lab equips patients and families with the tools needed to participate in treatment and recovery, including catheters, pumps and other equipment used for treatment, as well as changing dressings and giving injections. 

In addition, we offer social work team support, access to financial counselors, a Childhood Survivorship Program and an Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program to support your family throughout life after cancer.

Patient and family-centered programs and services

We understand that cancer affects your entire family.  Our approach to care includes helping parents and siblings cope with and adjust to the realities of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well.

We offer dedicated child-life specialists who work exclusively with our cancer patients, as well as a hospital school program, spiritual care, and a wide array of other support programs.

Our inpatient unit features a children’s activity room as well as a special dedicated “teen room” to meet the special needs of teens and adolescents.  We also offer a family lounge and laundry facilities.  In addition, you and your child have access to all the additional resources and amenities offered in the hospital, including our full-service Family Center.

Take the next step:

For more information or to make an appointment, call 734-936-9814.