Cancer in childhood/adolescence is extremely rare and therefore it is vital that these patients are treated in specialist centres. There are over 20 hospitals treating children with cancer in the UK and these form the United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group (UKCCSG). Increasingly specific units for teenagers are being developed, often linked to a UKCCSG centre. The unit at the Royal Marsden, working with the paediatric department at St George's Hospital, is one of the largest centres in the UK and is a leading centre for the development of new treatments. The unit is based at our Sutton site.
The unit’s philosophy of family-centred care has been developed by involving parents with the treatment plan, both in the hospital and at home. A community liaison team facilitates shared care with local hospitals. Early return to school is encouraged and the teachers and social workers based on the unit work closely with the child’s school and other community based services.
The unit treats all types of cancer including; leukaemia, lymphoma, solid tumours and brain/spinal cord tumours, in modern purpose-built facilities. The clinical service is provided by a team of paediatric oncologists with on site access to radiotherapy, diagnostic imaging and pathology, specialist cancer nursing, symptom care and pharmacy expertise.
The unit benefits from being in an environment focused on cancer with access to the full range of paediatric services through its strong links with St George's Hospital.
The Royal Marsden, in collaboration with the two regional paediatric neuro-surgical centres (St George's and King's College Hospital), has developed a comprehensive 'South Thames Paediatric Neuro-oncology Service' and is one of the largest paediatric neuro-oncology units in the UK. There is close working relationship between the paediatric and adult neuro-oncology teams in the form of weekly joint multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and joint clinics.
There is a very well established allogenic bone marrow transplant service with two full time dedicated consultants and this works in association with one of the largest adult bone marrow transplant units in Europe. This is complemented by a very active programme for 'high dose' (myeloablative) chemotherapy procedures requiring autologous stem cell rescue.
In partnership with The Institute of Cancer Research, the Paediatric Unit at The Royal Marsden Hospital is an internationally recognised centre of research excellence.
Each consultant has a clinic covering general paediatric oncology. The unit also has specialist clinics for bone marrow transplant (BMT), neuro-oncology, long term follow up and radiotherapy.
Staff
Head of Unit
Prof A Pearson
Consultants
Prof K Pritchard Jones, solid tumours
Dr D Hargrave, neuro-oncology
Dr M Taj, leukaemia and late effects
Dr D Lancaster, leukaemia
Dr A Albenese, endocrinology
Dr M Potter, bone marrow transplant
Dr M Ethall, bone marrow transplant
Staff Grade
Dr Sucheta Vaidyda