Pediatric Oncology Program

Pediatric cancer requires a specialized approach led by compassionate experts. At Mays Cancer Center, we care for infants to young adults affected by rare and complex childhood cancers.

Pediatric cancer doctors work as a team to personalize every child’s treatment. You have access to some of today’s most advanced therapies, including sophisticated brain and spine surgeries and new cancer drugs. Our emphasis on research puts leading expertise, diagnostic tests and therapies close to home.

Why choose us for pediatric oncology care?

Highlights of our program include:

• Expertise in rare pediatric cancers: Our team includes fellowship-trained pediatric cancer doctors with experience caring for children affected by rare childhood cancers, such as endocrine tumors and testicular cancer. We see a large number of pediatric sarcoma patients compared to other centers in San Antonio. Learn more about our pediatric sarcoma and pediatric brain tumor programs.
• Full spectrum of care close to home: Specialists treat bone tumors within the Pediatric Oncology Clinic at University Hospital in San Antonio. You can meet with more than one specialist in one place. A dedicated inpatient wing at University Hospital is designed around children’s needs, keeping them safe and comfortable during chemotherapy.
• Extensive family support: A pediatric cancer diagnosis impacts every family differently. We offer many resources to help you access care conveniently and overcome challenges. Social workers and clinical psychologists are on hand to guide you to the services you need. Learn more about pediatric oncology support services.
• Specialized programs: Children aren’t tiny adults. We have programs dedicated to the specific needs of our younger cancer patients. Our adolescent and young adult cancer program provides counseling, fertility preservation options and other resources aimed at serving patients in their teens, 20s and 30s. We help cancer survivors grow into healthy adults through our childhood cancer survivorship program.

Our team approach to pediatric cancer

Several pediatric cancer specialists meet regularly to discuss the specifics of your child’s care. Pediatric oncologists, surgeons and others recommend leading-edge treatments that are most appropriate for your child’s situation.

Our pediatric oncology team includes:

• Surgeons, including one of the area’s few pediatric neurosurgeons, who perform intricate surgeries to remove cancer and minimize its impact on a child’s life
• Pediatric oncologists who specialize in how to diagnose and treat rare cancers that affect children and understand their unique needs
• Radiation oncologists with extensive experience using high-energy radiation therapies to treat pediatric tumors  
• Pathologists who expertly identify pediatric cancer cells, helping us target effective treatments
• Social workers who work with schools to help families manage a child’s educational needs during cancer treatment
• Clinical psychologists with pediatric training who counsel children and families through the emotional challenges of cancer  
• Child life specialists who give children creative outlets to express themselves and “just be kids” during treatment

Research and clinical trials for pediatric sarcoma

We partner with the National Cancer Institute’s Children’s Oncology Group to collaborate with well-known childhood cancer researchers.

This partnership helps us understand how and why pediatric cancers happen, so we can improve treatments. It also ensures we provide diagnostic and treatment advances aligned with those available at other respected medical institutions across the country.

Our research focus helps us develop new therapies and improve the lives of children and young adults who have cancer. Eligible patients can benefit from wide-ranging clinical trial opportunities, including studies exploring new treatments, supportive services and survivorship.

Learn more about pediatric cancer clinical trials.

Care location

University Hospital

• Pediatric Hematology (Outpatient) | Horizon Tower 10th Floor
• Pediatric Hematology (Inpatient) | Sky Tower 7th Floor
• Pediatric Sarcoma Oncology | Horizon Tower 10th Floor
• Pediatric Neuro-Oncology | Horizon Tower 10th Floor
• Pediatric Cancer Genetics and High-Risk Screening Program | Horizon Tower 10th Floor
• Adolescent and Young Adolescent Oncology | Horizon Tower 10th Floor