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Condition

Pediatric Leukemia

Key Points About Leukemia in Children

  • Leukemia is cancer of the blood. It's the most common kind of cancer in children.
  • The cancer cells grow in the bone marrow and go into the blood.
  • Common symptoms of leukemia in children include feeling tired and weak, easy bruising or bleeding, and frequent or long-lasting infections.
  • Leukemia is diagnosed with blood and bone marrow tests. Imaging may be done to look for signs of leukemia in different parts of the body.
  • Chemotherapy is the main treatment for most children with leukemia.
  • Ongoing follow-up care is needed during and after treatment.

Leukemia Care at Children's National Hospital

The leukemia team at Children's National, which consists of doctors, nurses, researchers, social workers, a psychologist, an art therapist, a child life specialist, a nutritionist and a chaplain, work collaboratively to provide the best care for patients.

Children’s National leukemia patients have access to the most current therapies in treating pediatric cancer through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Program, a part of Children’s Oncology Group (COG), a clinical trial cooperative group supported by the National Cancer Institute. The dedicated team of physicians, nurses and scientists conduct clinical trials and perform research to identify cancer causes and pioneer treatments and cures.

Currently, nearly 200 leukemia and lymphoma patients are receiving treatment and participating in clinical studies at Children’s National.

In addition, the Patient and Family Support Program provides comprehensive mental health and psychosocial services and helpful resources for all patients treated in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, as well as patients’ parents and siblings.

Appointments

Our team is standing by to schedule your child’s appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is leukemia?

What causes leukemia in children?

Who is at risk for childhood leukemia?

What are the symptoms of leukemia in children?

How is leukemia diagnosed in children?

How is leukemia treated in children?

Clinic visits at Children’s National

What are possible complications of leukemia in a child?

What can I do to prevent leukemia in my child?

How can I help my child live with leukemia?

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

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Leukemia and Lymphoma Treatment at Children's National Hospital

Our leukemia and lymphoma specialists are national experts in treating all types of pediatric blood cancers. Discover more about the treatments we offer.

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Help Kids and Make a Difference

Invest in future cures for some of life's most devastating diseases. Give today to help more children grow up stronger.

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Providers Who Treat Leukemia

Departments that Treat Leukemia

Cellular Therapy Program

Only a handful of programs worldwide offer cellular therapy. Many things make the Children's National Cellular Therapy Program special.

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Blood and Marrow Transplant

Our blood and bone marrow disease experts provide advanced transplant procedures for children and teenagers.

Experimental Therapeutics Program

With exclusive access to new treatments, the Experimental Therapeutics Program at Children's National offers renewed hope for a good outcome to all families.