Pediatric Cancers Team

The Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorder Team at UNM cares for children, adolescents and young adults (up to age 25) throughout the state of New Mexico. Our team offers access to the most up-to-date clinical trials sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

Our Pediatric Cancers team members are active members of the Children's Oncology Group, which is the world's largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research. These clinical trials offer cutting-edge treatments to improve survival and long-term quality of life. The teams takes a multidisciplinary approach to care and works with other pediatric specialists at UNM and at the UNM Cancer Center to ensure that each patient receives high-quality care.

Childhood Cancer Survivorship Clinic

More than 80 percent of children with cancer live through their cancer and these rates continue to increase. But childhood cancer survivors face life-long health risks and have special needs. Some of these risks include heart and lung problems, secondary cancers, learning disabilities, infertility and mental health issues.

Our clinic follows up with childhood cancer survivors for years after their treatment. We provide support and healthcare follow-up and suggest lifestyle changes to help each childhood cancer survivor with his or her unique needs. Our team also works with primary care providers and other specialists to help each survivor stay healthy.

Our Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Clinic welcomes all childhood cancer survivors between two and 10 years after completing their treatment. We welcome people up to 30 years old no matter where they went through treatment.

What Each Team Member Offers

Pediatric Oncologists manage the treatment plan for each child, including the use of chemotherapy, targeted therapy and clinical trials. They work with specialists in all other cancer and non-cancer areas.

Radiation Oncologists manage not only the amount of radiation that gets to the pediatric tumor but also the path it takes to get there. Using stereotactic body radiation and intensity modulated radiation therapy, our pediatric radiation oncologist minimizes the radiation reaching healthy, growing tissues.

Advanced Practice Providers may take medical histories, perform medical exams, give medications or injections, or perform certain medical procedures under the guidance of a physician.

What Each Team Member Offers

Pediatric Oncologists

Radiation Oncologists

Advanced Practice Providers

Advanced Practice Providers may take medical histories, perform medical exams, give medications or injections, or perform certain medical procedures under the guidance of a physician.

Meet the Pediatric Cancer Team

Many experts collaborate to offer you the best care and treatment.

Learn more: In-depth from the National Cancer Institute

Treatment & Survivorship

The Children's Oncology Group of the National Cancer Institute provides the up-to-date information below. Please bring any questions to your own doctor or to your Nurse Navigator. You may contact the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center at: 505-272-4946.

Please visit the resources below for further information.

General information about Childhood Cancer

Patients & Families

Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common cancer in children and adolescents.

Childhood Brain Tumors

Childhood brain tumors are the second most common cancer in children and adolescents.

Survivorship

More than 80% of children and adolescents are cancer survivors. Here are established guidelines that our institution follows in the care of these cancer survivors.