Lymphomas are cancers that develop in the body’s lymphatic system and are the third most common pediatric cancer, after leukemia and brain tumors. Our program treats patients with a range of leukemias and lymphomas, including:

Leukemias

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Acute myeloid leukemia
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia

• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma
• B-cell lymphoma (Burkitt and Burkitt-like lymphoma)  
• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
• Lymphoblastic lymphoma
• T cell lymphoma
• MK cell lymphoma

Pediatric leukemia and lymphoma treatment

Each type of childhood cancer is treated differently, based on what has been found to be most effective in destroying the particular type of cancer cell. The most common type of cancer treatment for leukemia and lymphoma is chemotherapy. In some cases, radiation therapy and/or stem cell transplant may be recommended. Immunotherapy, or treatment that uses certain parts of the immune system to fight cancer, may be used as well.

We treat newly diagnosed patients, as well as patients referred to us from other centers to continue treatment, manage complications of treatment or develop new treatment strategies for cancers not responding to treatment or that have relapsed. 

For children who fail to respond to treatment or experience a relapse, City of Hope has a renowned program in stem cell transplantation, as well as ongoing studies into novel therapies for relapsed/refractory leukemia. Your child may have the opportunity to participate in a research study or clinical trial. For more information about our pediatric cancer research, including ongoing clinical trials, is available on City of Hope’s Clinical Trials Online website. 

A unique benefit of being treated at City of Hope is that we treat young children, adolescents and young adults, ensuring a continuum of care through the years for this special group of patients. Adolescents and young adults may be eligible for clinical studies and novel treatments available for adult patients at City of Hope, while still benefiting from the patient and family-centered approach of the pediatric program.

Living with pediatric leukemia and lymphoma

Our program offers both outstanding medical treatment and supportive care to young cancer patients and their family members. Pediatric oncologists, hematologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists and other specialists work in concert to develop a targeted, effective treatment plan, while professionals in psychology; social work; child life; recreational, occupational and physical therapy; music therapy; and school reintegration provide individual attention and group activities for patients and their families.

Pediatric leukemia and lymphoma team

• Saro Armenian, D.O., M.P.H.
• Nicole Karras, M.D.
• Anna Pawlowska, M.D.
• Joseph Rosenthal, M.D.
• Leo Wang, M.D., Ph.D.
• Jeanelle Folbrecht, Ph.D.
• Debbie Briseno-Toomey, B.S.N., P.N.P.

Life after cancer

The majority of children diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma are cured; however, there can be long-term side effects. Our Childhood, Adolescent And Young Adult Survivorship Program is specially designed to meet the follow-up needs of childhood cancer survivors, who are evaluated annually by a team of health care professionals with expertise in survivorship issues.