Pediatric Cancer Treatments

Apheresis Apheresis is a special kind of blood donation that allows a donor to give specific blood components, such as platelets. Blood transfusion and platelet transfusion Blood and platelet transfusion is the process of transferring blood or blood-based products from one person into the circulatory system of another. Learn more about Inova Blood Donor Services. Brachytherapy Brachytherapy is internal radiation therapy using an implant of radioactive material placed directly into or near a tumor. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses anti-cancer drugs delivered orally, topically, through an injection, or through an intravenous injection. Complementary therapies Complementary therapies can enhance quality of life for a child living with cancer. They are not intended as cancer treatments, nor do they interfere with prescribed medical treatments. Complementary therapies can relax and soothe, help control symptoms and relieve stress. Your child, in turn, may better cope with the day-to-day challenges of cancer treatments. Complementary therapies include: Acupuncture Biofeedback Guided imagery Massage therapy Meditation Pet therapy Yoga Art and music therapy Life with Cancer® offers a variety of complementary therapy programs. Visit the Life with Cancer website or call 703-698-2526 for more information. Enterostomal therapy Enterostomal therapy focuses on the acute and rehabilitative care of patients with: Abdominal stomas Bladder cancer Draining wounds Fistulae Dermal tissue trauma Urinary incontinence Infusion Inova Children's Hospital offers a dedicated inpatient infusion department where children can receive chemotherapy and other intravenous services in a comfortable, kid-friendly environment. Outpatient care is provided at the Pediatric Specialists of Virginia Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Nutrition services The Nutrition Support Program helps young cancer patients maintain optimum nutritional intake during their cancer treatment by providing nutrition information, counseling and special diets, as well as guidance for their caregivers.