CAR-T Treatment Now Offered at CHKD
CHKD has received approval to provide an exciting new treatment for children with certain types of cancer. CAR-T cell therapy is a breakthrough treatment where a patient’s own immune cells (T cells) are modified to improve their ability to locate and kill cancer cells. Kymriah, the treatment used by CHKD, is currently approved for patients, up to age 25, with B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that did not respond to chemotherapy or whose leukemia has come back.
In CAR-T cell therapy, T cells are taken from the patient’s blood and sent to a special lab where a protein, called a chimeric antigen receptor, is added. This protein is designed to help T cells find and attack hidden cancer cells. After the T cells are modified, they are infused back into the patient to begin their cancer-fighting work. For more information, contact our cellular therapy coordinator at (757) 668-7243.
About Our Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
The Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at CHKD is eastern Virginia's top referral center for pediatric cancer, sickle cell disease, and blood disorders. Our patients range in age from infants to young adults and come from every corner of Virginia and North Carolina.
Unique Needs, Personal Care
At CHKD, we believe that children with cancer and blood disorders deserve personal care that addresses their unique emotional, spiritual, and educational needs, as well as their medical ones. A dedicated and highly trained team will help you and your family coordinate the care your child needs and provide a safe and supportive environment before, after and during treatment.
Comprehensive Care
We treat many different types of cancers and blood disorders at CHKD and each patient has a
board-certified pediatric hematology/oncology physician who oversees the
multidisciplinary team necessary to provide the best possible outcome for every child.
Inpatient Care
When children with cancer and blood disorders require hospitalization, they are admitted to the hematology/oncology unit on the 5th floor of the main hospital. Because continuity of care is a primary focus, interdisciplinary rounds occur every day to evaluate each child's condition. Each day the patient's physician, nurse, pharmacist, dietitian, social worker, and child life specialist meet in an effort to provide the most comprehensive care possible.
Learn more about our hematology/oncology unit here.
Outpatient Care
The Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, located on the second floor of the hospital, offers outpatient medical treatment in a comfortable setting. Patients are able to receive complete care in a single location specifically designed for all patients. Our outpatient unit includes a comprehensive clinic where patients can see multiple physicians in the same place; a chemotherapy infusion area; a transfusion area; sedation rooms for procedures; an on-site pharmacy; child life area; video games; movies and more.
Adolescent and Young Adult Care
Treating adolescents and young adults is a specialty in CHKD's oncology department. With access to healthcare services specifically designed for older patients, CHKD treats the whole patient to address issues specific to teens and young adults.
Research
Research is the cornerstone of the amazing advancements in the treatment of pediatric cancer and blood disorders. Patients who qualify are offered access to the latest clinical trials available through the
Children's Oncology Group (COG) -- the world's largest research cooperative. In addition, our physicians hold leadership roles in steering committees within COG driving future research. Patients with blood disorders are also offered access to the latest clinical trials for hemophilia and other blood disorders.
Clinical Programs
Clinical programs at CHKD offer education and support services to patients and families of children with cancer and blood disorders.
View a complete list of clinical programs offered at CHKD.
