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Treatment

Pediatric Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy (chemo) is the use of medicines to treat cancer or kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy has been used for many years. It’s one of the most common treatments for cancer.  The groups of cancer therapy medicines work in different ways to fight cancer cells. For example, some interfere with the ability of cancer cells to grow or reproduce. It’s common for cancer to be treated with more than one medicine at a time. Chemo may be used alone or used with other treatments, such as radiation or surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why might my child need chemotherapy?

What are the risks of chemotherapy for a child?

How do I get my child ready for chemotherapy?

What happens during chemotherapy for a child?

What happens after chemotherapy for a child?

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Cancer Treatment at Children's National Hospital

The pediatric cancer experts at Children’s National in Washington, D.C., provide highly-specialized care for children in our innovative, comprehensive cancer programs. 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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PATIENT STORY

Juliana's Story

Providers of Chemotherapy

Departments that Offer Chemotherapy

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Histiocyte Disorders Program

Experts in the Histiocyte Disorders Program care for patients with a variety of rare conditions that happen when there are too many white blood cells in your child's blood.

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Solid Tumor Program

Our Solid Tumor Program has a dedicated team of sarcoma experts who specialize in the newest treatments and clinical trials.

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Leukemia and Lymphoma Program

We deliver comprehensive care for all blood cancers including chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant and experimental therapeutics.