This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
AAP updates standards for pediatric cancer centers
The AAP’s Section on Hematology/Oncology Executive Committee released updated standards for pediatric cancer centers, according to a policy statement.
The update reflects significant changes in the delivery of health care since the last guidelines were published in 2004. Recommendations are provided for personnel, facilities and capabilities of pediatric cancer centers in order to deliver state-of-the-art care.
Regarding personnel, the AAP recommends pediatric cancer centers have board-certified pediatric hematologists, oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists and pediatric medical subspecialists. In addition, centers should have surgical specialists with pediatric expertise, dentists who have completed pediatric dentistry training, social workers with pediatric oncology experience, child life specialists, school reintegration specialists, nutrition experts and pharmacists with experience and training in chemotherapy and supportive care medicines for pediatric patients with cancer.
Facilities should have an immediately accessible pediatric ICU on site, up-to-date radiation therapy equipment, community access to pediatric hemodialysis or hemofiltration and apheresis, and isolation facilities for patients with severe immunosuppression. Up-to-date diagnostic imaging facilities that perform radiography, computed tomography, MRI, ultra-sonography, radionuclide imaging and angiography is desirable, according to the statement.
Pediatric cancer centers should have the following capabilities:
- A clinical chemistry laboratory with the capability to monitor antibiotic and antineoplastic drug concentrations;
- A blood bank that can provide a full range of products, including irradiated and leuko-depleted blood components;
- A pharmacy capable of accurate preparation and dispensing of antineoplastic agents and investigational agents;
- Access to stem cell transplant services with the capability or availability of human leukocyte antigen typing; and more.
“This statement emphasizes the importance of board-certified pediatric hematologists/oncologists and appropriately qualified pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists overseeing patient care and the need for specialized facilities as essential for the initial management and much of the follow-up for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with cancer,” the researchers concluded.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
