Pediatric Oncologists and Hematologists in San Antonio
A diagnosis of cancer or a blood disorder affects the entire family. At CHRISTUS Children's, our Cancer & Blood Disorders team provides expert, compassionate care for children across South Texas, combining advanced treatments with a deeply personal, faith-driven approach to healing.
Our multidisciplinary team of pediatric hematology and oncology specialists, advanced practice providers, nurses and support staff are dedicated to leading efforts to improve quality of life and advance cures at every stage, from diagnosis through survivorship.
Hours & Locations
Children's - Cancer & Blood Disorders Clinic
Expert Pediatric Cancer & Blood Disorders Treatment
When your child is facing cancer or a blood disorder, you want answers quickly and a team you can trust to guide every step of care. As a member of the Children's Oncology Group, CHRISTUS Children's provides access to the latest evidence-based treatments and clinical trials, helping your child receive advanced care close to home.
Cancers We Treat
Our specialists diagnose and treat a full range of pediatric cancer and blood disorders including:
- Brain tumors
- Solid tumors
- Germ cell tumors
- Thyroid cancer
- Leukemia
- Histiocytoses
- Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas
- Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, and idiopathic thrombocytopenia
- Rheumatological conditions, including fibromyalgia and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Types of Cancer Treatments
When it comes to treatment, your child's plan is centered on their own health and well-being. Our team is experienced in administering these therapies and are dedicated to providing compassionate care for your child. We offer a range of treatment options for children from newborns to age 18, including:
- Chemotherapy
- Transplantation
- Immunotherapy or IVIG
- And more
Ronald McDonald House for Your Family
CHRISTUS Children’s has a Ronald McDonald House conveniently located inside the hospital and just steps away for the oncology unit. The Ronald McDonald House provides families with comfortable lodging, a large, shared kitchen, laundry facilities and a supportive community near your child’s treatment center, free of charge. Talk to a social worker to find out if you qualify.
Childhood Cancer Treatment and Services
When your family is facing childhood cancer, your care should be family-centered, team-based, and innovative. At CHRISTUS Children's, our team of experts provides a full spectrum of services to children throughout the region.
Specialized Clinical Services
- Blood & Marrow Transplant program certified by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy, or FACT
- Infusion therapy services
- Advanced diagnostic and treatment planning
- Collaboration of a multidisciplinary team of experts
- Solid tumor program
- Neuro-oncology program
Supportive and Long-Term Care
- Cancer genetics evaluation and counseling for siblings and family
- Fully coordinated inpatient and outpatient care
- Survivorship program, SHINE On, to support long-term health and wellness
- Access to clinical trials through Children's Oncology Group
A Team-Based Approach to Pediatric Care
Your child's care is delivered through a fully integrated, team-based model at CHRISTUS Children's. We are committed to being a trusted partner for your family and physicians, providing guidance, support, and clinical excellence every step of the way. Our doctors work closely with expert nursing and infusion teams to ensure:
- Efficient clinic visits and treatment schedules
- Clear, compassionate communication with families
- Ongoing updates for referring providers
- Smooth transitions between phases of care
Partnerships for Pediatric Cancer Care
Our clinic also maintains partnerships with organizations that offer research, resources, education, and other support for families going through cancer treatment.
Thanks to evidence-based research, improved treatment plans have been developed specifically for children. As a result, the life expectancy of children diagnosed with cancer has improved significantly since the 1970s. According to the National Cancer Institute, 85% of children with cancer now survive five years or more following their cancer diagnosis.
Children's Oncology Group
As a Children's Oncology Group member, our Cancer and Blood Disorders Clinic participates in the world's largest international consortium of childhood cancer specialists. Through this affiliation, we offer each child access to the safest and most effective cancer and blood disorders treatments.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest non-profit health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, providing education, and patient services. Our partnership provides our oncologists with evidence-based research, ensuring our programs are up-to-date with the latest innovations in cancer treatments.
St. Baldrick's Foundation
St. Baldricks's Foundation helps fund research clinical trials and raise awareness for childhood cancer treatments. Their renowned head-shaving events help generate funds and increase awareness about the challenges faced by children with cancer.
SHINE On Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program
Completing cancer treatment is an important milestone and accomplishment. Our SHINE On Survivorship Program helps patients and families navigate the next stage of their health journey. Designed for survivors of childhood cancer and histiocytic disorders, the program provides education, support, and long-term follow-up care focused on survivorship and wellness.
SHINE On stands for:
- Survivorship
- Health
- Independence
- Nutrition
- Education
What to Expect
Your child will be empowered to better understand their diagnosis and treatment history while preparing for potential long-term of late effects of cancer therapy. Through ongoing education and support, we help survivors build healthy habits, achieve their goals, and thrive after treatment.
Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary Survivorship Care
The SHINE On Program includes a team of specialists dedicated to supporting the unique needs of childhood cancer survivors, including:
- Pediatric oncologist
- Social worker
- Nurse coordinator and educator
Patients also have access to pediatric subspecialists when needed, including:
- Cardiologists
- Endocrinologists
- Neurologists
- Psychologists
- Pulmonologists
- Neuropsychologists
Schedule a survivorship consultation at 210-704-2160.
Frequently Asked Questions
At CHRISTUS Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorder Clinic, we offer evidence-based treatment plans backed by extensive research and expertise. While we strive to provide the best possible care, we understand it's a daunting decision for you as a parent.
We're here to support you every step of the way, offering education and guidance to help you make informed choices for your child's well-being. Your child's doctor can provide personalized recommendations and address any concerns you may have, ensuring you feel confident in the decisions made regarding your child's treatment plan.
As a parent, wanting the best for your child is your number one priority, and seeking a second opinion on their cancer diagnosis and treatment is understandable. At CHRISTUS Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorder Clinic, we wholeheartedly support your decision to explore all avenues to ensure your child's best care.
Rest assured, our priority aligns with yours: the health, healing, and well-being of your child. Whether you seek a second opinion or entrust our team with your child's care, know that we are here to support you every step of the way.
If you opt for a second opinion elsewhere, you are always welcome to return to CHRISTUS Children’s Cancer Clinic for your child's treatment. Your child's continuity of care and comfort are our utmost priorities, and we are committed to being a steadfast source of support throughout your child's journey.
While it's important to acknowledge that cancer is not always curable, there is hope. According to the American Cancer Society, significant treatment advances have led to an 85% survival rate for children with cancer surviving five years or more. This marks a substantial increase since the mid-1970s when the rate was approximately 58%.
Outcomes can vary based on factors like the stage of cancer, how your child's body responds to treatment, and the cancer's response to therapy. We are committed to leveraging our expertise, resources, and support to facilitate your child's healing journey, aiming for a long, happy, and healthy life ahead.
The duration of the treatment process varies for each child and is influenced by factors such as the cancer stage, the type of treatment needed, and individual response to therapy. Some cases may require several months of treatment, while others may extend over several years.
To ensure your child’s childhood is as uninterrupted during treatment as possible, our clinic offers a variety of support services tailored to meet the needs of each child.
Our dedicated child life specialists are here to ensure your child continues to experience the joys of childhood, providing opportunities for play, creativity, and emotional expression. Our in-house school program enables patients to maintain their education during treatment, fostering a sense of normalcy and connection with their peers. These services support your child's physical health and contribute to their emotional and psychological well-being, helping them thrive despite the challenges of cancer treatment.
Blood & Marrow Transplant Center
The specialists at the Blood & Marrow Transplant Center at CHRISTUS Children's provide the utmost in individualized patient- and family-centered care for pediatric and young adult blood and bone marrow transplant patients.
Our Blood & Marrow Transplant Center team is led by two physicians and a pediatric nurse practitioner with a combined experience in blood and bone marrow transplantation of more than 50 years. They are supported by a staff of dedicated nurses and technicians, ensuring the optimal experience in patient care and comfort. You will have seamless access to outpatient clinical care, laboratory, and diagnostic services. Because we are part of CHRISTUS Children's, you will receive compassionate care every step of the way.
Inpatient Blood & Marrow Transplant
Our inpatient unit is located on the eighth floor featuring eight spacious private rooms, specially ventilated to decrease the risk of infections. Patients and their families have access to a family lounge with a washer, dryer, and kitchen amenities. The Ronald McDonald House is available for patients who live out of town and is conveniently located on the fourth floor of CHRISTUS Children's. A social worker can provide more information about the Ronald McDonald House and other accommodations.
Outpatient Blood & Marrow Transplant
The Outpatient Clinic provides diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for patients who need or have received a transplant. Our dedicated space on the seventh floor of the hospital has all the latest diagnostic technology to provide comfort and care to our children. Our qualified and experienced specialists will explain and answer any questions that patients or their parents may have for a seamless treatment process.
Pediatric Cancer Genetics Program in San Antonio
Expert Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment and Care for Children at CHRISTUS Children's
When cancer runs in a family, understanding a child's risk can help guide screening, treatment and long-term care. The Pediatric Cancer Genetics Program at CHRISTUS Children's provides comprehensive evaluation, genetic risk assessment, personalized cancer surveillance, and multidisciplinary support for children and families affected by hereditary cancer syndromes.
Our specialized team helps families navigate complex genetic conditions while delivering compassionate, family-centered care close to home.
What is the Pediatric Cancer Genetics Program?
The Pediatric Cancer Genetics program at CHRISTUS Children's is a multidisciplinary program dedicated to identifying, evaluating, and managing children who may be at increased risk for inherited cancer conditions. Through advanced genetic expertise and collaborative care, we help families better understand inherited cancer risks and make informed decisions about their child's health.
We offer:
- Comprehensive cancer risk assessment
- Genetic counseling and testing coordination
- Personalized cancer screening and surveillance recommendations
- Evidence-based risk management strategies
- Access to biologically targeted therapies when appropriate
- Clinical trial opportunities
- Psychosocial support for patients and families
- Coordination of specialty care and follow-up services
Does My Child Need Genetic Testing for Cancer?
If cancer runs in your family, it's natural to wonder whether your child could be at increased risk. Genetic testing can help identify inherited cancer syndromes, provide clarity about your child's risk and help your care team develop personalized screening and prevention plans when appropriate.
Some children may benefit from a cancer genetics evaluation based on their family history, personal medical history or specific cancer diagnoses, including those listed below.
Who Should Be Referred?
A referral to the Pediatric Cancer Genetics Program may be appropriate for children with:
- Two or more first- or second-degree relatives diagnosed with cancer before age 50
- multiple cancers occurring in the same individual
- Bilateral cancers, or cancers found in both of a pair of organs, such as both kidneys or both lungs
- A personal history of more than one cancer diagnosis
We evaluate patients with a personal or family history of inherited cancer syndromes, including:
- Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
- Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN)
- Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma Syndrome
- Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) Syndrome
- Cowden Syndrome
- DICER1 Syndrome
- Neurofibromatosis
- Hereditary Leukemia Syndromes
Genetic evaluation may be recommended regardless of family history for children diagnosed with:
- Choroid plexus tumors
- Bilateral Wilms tumor
- Rhabdoid tumors
- Retinoblastoma
- Adrenocortical carcinoma
- Unusual treatment-resistant pediatric cancers
- Pediatric cancers with uncommon presentations
For Referring Physicians
The Cancer Genetics Program partners with pediatricians, oncologists, surgeons, specialists and other healthcare providers to identify children who may benefit from hereditary cancer evaluation.
Referral Benefits
- Expert hereditary cancer risk assessment
- Guidance on appropriate genetic testing
- Individualized surveillance recommendations
- Coordination of multidisciplinary care
- Access to advanced treatment options and clinical research opportunities
To refer a patient, call 210-704-2160
Why Choose CHRISTUS Children's
A cancer or blood disorder diagnosis can turn your family's world upside down. At CHRISTUS Children's, we're here to guide you through every step with expert care, compassionate support and a team dedicated to your child's well-being. From advanced treatments and clinical trials to survivorship services and coordinated specialty care, we provide the resources, expertise and encouragement your family needs throughout the journey.
Our goal is simple: helping your child achieve the best possible outcomes while supporting your family along the way.
Families and physicians choose CHRISTUS Children’s for:
- Board-certified pediatric hematology and oncology specialists
- Access to national research protocols and clinical trials
- Coordinated, family-centered care
- A mission-driven approach grounded in compassion, dignity, and respect
- Convenient access for families throughout the region