Paediatric haematology, oncology and immunology
Unique medical results are delivered by an integrated team at a single, child-friendly location within the Children’s Hospital.
Within the range of treatments available, a particular departmental specialty is stem cell transplantations for children with:
- Malignant disease such as acute leukemia and solid tumours.
- Non-malignant diseases such as immune-deficiency, thalassemia, osteopetrosis, sickle cell anemia, aplastic anemia, and inborn errors of metabolism (mucopolysaccharidosis).
Since 1998 we have been one of the few European centres to regularly perform haploidentical stem cell transplantations, where a parent is used as the donor. The transplant is performed when an identical donor is not available. Through applying this method, we have achieved successful medical results, on international patients as well, when other treatment protocols have failed.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantations, with human leukocyte antigen identical sibling or matched unrelated donor, is also performed for all current indications, malignant and non-malignant. The most recent recommendations of the European Group for Blood and Bone Marrow Transplantation (EBMT centre number CIC:283) are used.
Our senior consultants responsible for stem cells transplantation have done more than 600 paediatric stem cell transplants over the last two decades.
The department is closely linked to Lund University, integrating the latest research findings in the clinical work. We have well-established international collaboration, which means that our paediatric oncologists/ haematologists take part in international working groups and protocols. Based on the successful model of work, senior consultants at the department have provided long-term support and training for establishment of new clinics abroad as well as in development of multi-unit monitoring systems.
Through Skåne Care, international patients can also gain access to the Swedish national centre for advanced proton therapy. Proton therapy makes it possible to treat cancer more effectively and with fewer side effects than with conventional radiation therapy, and in paediatric patients the risk of developing a new, radiation-induced cancer later in life is reduced.
Caring for children and families in Lund
Multidisciplinary teams work together at the Children’s Hospital to meet children’s medical, emotional, cognitive, and psychosocial needs. The hospital offers the latest therapies, diagnostic tools, and clinical trials in a family-friendly environment. Other needs are cared for too, like a hospital school, playroom, sibling/family support, physiotherapy, and if necessary, accommodation.
Medical professionals with special competence staff the all-age intensive care unit for complicated heart surgeries, surgical diseases, and acute infectious and paediatric diseases.