- Program Expansion. A multidisciplinary team of physicians and nurses was established to oversee the often complex treatment of children with brain tumors. This Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Team includes representatives from pediatric oncology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, and nursing. The care and ongoing medical needs of all children with brain tumors are discussed in this forum in order to provide optimum coordination and treatment.
- Professional Affiliations. All of the team's pediatric surgeons, radiation oncologists, and pediatric oncologists are certified in their specialty and members of the prestigious Children's Oncology Group. Each of the program's nurse practitioners is chemotherapy certified by the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON, CPON certified).
- Laboratory Certification. The Cytogenetics Laboratory is certified by the Children's Oncology Group for the analysis of chromosomal abnormalities in childhood leukemia. Through this lab, state-of-the-art molecular genetic and chromosomal studies are available to Stony Brook physicians to assist in disease diagnosis and the identification of appropriate treatments.
- The Late Effects/Long-Term Follow-Up Program. This program meets the ongoing needs and monitors the health status of children who have completed cancer therapy as they move into and through their adult years. It is well recognized that survivors of childhood cancer encounter difficulties of both medical and social nature. Under the direction of Laura Hogan, MD, the program is being designed to recognize those needs early and intervene to minimize their impact on adult life. It will employ national standards for follow-up of childhood cancer survivors.
