Oncology

The Oncology unit at CHOC is staffed with nurses specially trained to treat the complex conditions that accompany pediatric cancers. In addition, the 28-bed Hematology/Oncology unit and the 12-bed Oncology Intensive Care Unit (OICU) is the only dedicated pediatric program in Orange County. As part of the CHOC Cancer Institute, our program offers the latest in medical and surgical oncology including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and blood and marrow transplantation. The program brings together a full range of pediatric services and multidisciplinary care for our pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Internationally recognized for clinical excellence, CHOC Specialists Oncology physicians provide state-of-the-art diagnostic services and a full spectrum of treatment modalities for pediatric malignancies, including surgical oncology, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and blood and marrow transplantation. Their services are complemented by the multidisciplinary care provided by other pediatric subspecialists, nurses, pharmacists, rehabilitation therapists, clinical dietitians, child psychologists and social workers at CHOC. Actively involved in clinical as well as translational research, these highly experienced, board certified pediatric oncologists provide patients with access to the latest, often break-through, treatments.

CHOC Specialists Oncology physicians are fully equipped with highly advanced technology available, including:

  • Advanced CT, PET, MRI and MRI spectroscopy for the diagnosis and staging of tumors
  • Sophisticated radiotherapy capabilities, including a new linear accelerator and CT-based planning system and simulator.

Internationally Recognized for Research

CHOC Specialists Oncology physicians serve as medical directors for the CCS-accredited inpatient and outpatient oncology program at CHOC, including The CHOC Cancer Institute. CHOC is an active member of the prestigious Children’s Oncology Group (COG), a National Cancer Institute-supported program offering patients access to state-of-the-art treatment through research.

By participating in clinical studies through COG and with pharmaceutical, biologic and device companies, CHOC Specialists Oncology physicians are able to provide patients with access to the latest therapeutic advances for cancer and for the side effects caused by cancer treatment.

Comprehensive Blood & Marrow Transplant Services

CHOC Specialists Oncology physicians direct the pediatric blood and marrow transplant program at CHOC, the only program of its kind serving Orange County children. This comprehensive program includes a stem-cell laboratory and umbilical cord blood bank.

Approved by the National Marrow Donor Program, services include pre- and post-transplant care for immune deficiency disorders, hematologic disorders, malignancies and genetic disorders. Transplantation is available using histocompatible, haploidentical and matched unrelated bone marrow and cord blood.

Working in Collaboration With Referring Physicians : Referring physicians are encouraged to participate in the treatment planning process and receive thorough update reports on a timely basis.