Leukaemia

We are the Principal Treatment Centre for children and teenagers with all forms of leukaemia within South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and North Derbyshire.

The majority of leukaemia treatment is outpatient-based and for this we have a dedicated Haematology and Oncology Centre which provides direct nursing/patient care. Patients requiring inpatient care are admitted to a specialist haematology/oncology ward (Ward 6).

We participate in national and multinational trials for the treatment of childhood and teenage leukaemia.

We hold a weekly meeting to plan and review treatment and a dedicated weekly theatre list for treatments and assessments that form an essential part of leukaemia treatment.

We have a comprehensive team which includes specialist medical and nursing staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, play specialists, psychologists and pharmacists.

This approach ensures the care children and their families receive is co-ordinated to their needs and their illness requirements.

About leukaemia

Leukaemia is cancer of the white blood cells. It is classified by two main types of white blood cells called lymphoid and myeloid cells.

In children the most common forms of leukaemia are:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) – Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a form of cancer which affects blood-producing cells in the bone marrow. The word ‘acute’ means developing quickly, while ‘lymphoblastic’ refers to the type of white blood cell affected by the condition. The disease is most common in childhood, but can affect teenagers and young adults; it then becomes increasingly more common after the age of around 50.
• Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) – Unlike acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), AML is most common in adults, particularly in later life. AML comprises only about 15% of all cases of childhood leukaemia. After childhood the condition is rare until the age of about 40 when it becomes progressively more common.