The Division of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology is a university center that specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents with tumor, blood and immunological diseases. Each year around 200 children and adolescents receive an initial consultation, and around 60 of them have a malignant disease. Treatment is provided in close collaboration with other disciplines (pediatrics, neurosurgery, radiology, nuclear medicine, pathology, radiotherapy). Physicians and certified nurses are supported by physical therapists, occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, educators and social workers.
The most common types of cancer in childhood and adolescence are leukemia and cancer of the lymph nodes followed by cancer of the central nervous system (CNS), neuroblastoma and soft tissue, kidney and bone tumors. Childhood cancer is often characterized by extremely rapid cell growth that requires intensive therapy. With several months of cytotoxic therapy (chemotherapy), often in combination with surgery and radiation, the cure rate for children with cancer is currently 75%.
Nonmalignant blood disorders range from a decrease in red or white blood cells or platelets to other immune system dysfunctions to severe bone marrow failure in which all these cells no longer replicate sufficiently. Many of these diseases are extremely rare and can only be treated at specialized institutions.
Most children and adolescents with hemato-oncological diseases are treated according to therapy optimization studies in order to guarantee the best treatment possible that is in line with the latest scientific findings. Our division acts as the national clinical trials coordination center for some of these trials. Our international collaboration and research activities serve to improve the prospects for a cure and treatment options.
The uniqueness and the added value of our division are the result of the symbiosis between patient care, research and education. The division is jointly operated by the Medical University of Graz and the Styrian Hospital Association (KAGes). This interdisciplinary cooperation between both providers at the University Hospital Graz site is also reflected on our website. More information on patient care can be found at the University Hospital Graz website.
