Blood Disorders & Cancers

A diagnosis of cancer or a blood disorder can be overwhelming — but at UNM Children’s Hospital, your child will never face it alone. Our pediatric oncology and hematology program provides the most advanced care in New Mexico, offering diagnosis, treatment, and long‑term follow‑up for a wide range of conditions, from leukemia, vascular lesions and solid tumors such brain, liver, kidney and bone tumors, to various types of anemias, platelet abnormalities and bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.

We provide child-friendly, family-centered care. And as a Children’s Miracle Network hospital, we are connected to the latest in childhood research, funding and treatments.

Symptoms

Symptoms of blood disorders and cancers can mimic other conditions. Bring your child in as soon as you notice symptoms—the sooner we can diagnose, the sooner we can start treatment.

Schedule an appointment if your child shows any of the following:

  • Delayed wound healing
  • Easy bleeding or bruising
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Paleness
  • Recurring infections
  • Shortness of breath

Conditions We Treat

Blood disorders and cancers can affect a child’s white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, plasma or hemoglobin. UNM doctors are skilled in the assessment and diagnosis of conditions such as:

Bleeding disorders

  • Hemophilia
  • Thrombosis
  • Von Willebrand disease

Cancer

  • Brain tumors
  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Solid tumors

Red Blood Cell Disorders

  • Anemia
  • Histiocytosis diseases
  • Sickle cell disease

White Blood Cell Disorders

  • Leukopenia
  • Neutropenia

Treatment for Blood Disorders

As New Mexico's only children’s oncology and hematology program affiliated with an academic medical center — and the state's only federally funded hemophilia treatment center — we bring together leading‑edge treatments, access to national clinical trials, and a compassionate, multidisciplinary care team. We focus on caring for the whole child — addressing not only their medical needs, but also their emotional well‑being, growth, and development. From the first appointment through survivorship and at our annual hemophilia and oncology camps, we are committed to giving children and families the best possible outcomes and the hope they deserve.

A skilled team of doctors will provide comprehensive care. They may recommend treatment such as:

  • Blood, platelet or plasma transfusion
  • Chemotherapy
  • Cord blood transplant
  • Immunotherapy or biotherapy
  • Iron infusions for anemic patients

For children with hemophilia, the Ted R. Montoya Hemophilia Program and Treatment Center provides excellent medical care and recovery. Parents can connect with community resources and get financial aid information.

Children who need lengthier infusions will spend time in the family-friendly pediatric infusion unit (PIU). This is on the sixth floor of the UNM Children’s Hospital.

Our pediatric infusion therapy nurses provide care in a Star Wars-themed room with TVs and video games available for your child’s comfort. We also have Child Life Specialists on-hand for additional support.

Your child may need to visit the PIU for IV medication related to:

  • Biotherapies
  • Blood transfusions
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunoglobulin therapy
  • Specialized medicines for other conditions

 

Follow-up care is important for survivors of pediatric cancer. Our Survivorship Clinic is open to anyone who has had childhood cancer, even adults. You’ll get a health-risk assessment, screenings for cancer-related physical or emotional issues and advice to help you stay healthy.

We have a pediatric cancer doctor, nurse, neuropsychologist, social worker and child life specialist available to meet with you—all in one day for your convenience. Call 505-272-4461 to request an appointment for you or your child.

You are not alone. Connect with support groups for family and friends of cancer patients, meet our pediatric oncology team and get the emotional support you need to get through this trying time.