Pediatric Oncology Unit
What does the Unit treat?
The Pediatric Oncology Unit of HM CIOCC is a national reference, specialized in the treatment of the most common pediatric tumors.
At HM Hospitals (CIOCC), the Pediatric Oncology Unit focuses on:
- Development of clinical trials in the most common pediatric tumors focused on targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and combinations of these with radiopharmaceuticals in tumors that express somatostatin receptors, proteins found on the surface of some tumor cells that act as “antennas” that attract radiopharmaceuticals. This allows radiation to be delivered directly to cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
- Reference Phase 1 trials unit at the pediatric oncology level. CIOCC is a specialized center for conducting the first human studies with new drugs against childhood cancer. These trials are crucial for evaluating the safety and appropriate dose of new treatments before they can be used in broader studies.
Related Diseases
- Wilms Tumor
Who is this Unit for?
The Pediatric Oncology Unit is aimed at:
- Children and adolescents with pediatric tumors.
- Patients seeking to participate in clinical trials with targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and combinations of these with radiopharmaceuticals.
- Family members and caregivers seeking information and support for their loved ones with pediatric cancer.
- Healthcare professionals who wish to refer patients for specialized pediatric cancer evaluation and treatment.
How do we approach it at HM Hospitals?
Surgery
We aim to remove as much of the tumor as possible, preserving organ function and minimizing sequelae in the child. Robotic surgery, in selected cases, allows for greater precision and less invasiveness.
Chemotherapy
We use state-of-the-art medications that circulate throughout the body to destroy cancer cells, adapting doses and regimens to each child’s specific needs.
Radiotherapy
We direct high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy developing tissues.
Targeted therapies
These innovative therapies target specific characteristics of cancer cells, disrupting their growth and spread selectively. In pediatric oncology, this is especially important to minimize damage to healthy cells.
Immunotherapy
We stimulate the patient’s immune system to naturally recognize and attack cancer cells.
Targeted Radioisotopes (nuclear medicine)
We selectively direct radiation to tumor cells, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.