Children's Emergency Department is now located in Children's Tower: 1001 E. Marshall Street.

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Cancer (oncology) program

Our patient-centered cancer program treats the whole child, not just the illness

A cancer diagnosis can be difficult for the whole family - that’s why our team is here every step of the way. From managing your child’s medical treatments to ensure comprehensive care. We offer the latest treatment therapies and imaging technology and we also provide support services like social work, family therapy, child life and even an annual prom.

We are the region’s only pediatric cancer program and are part of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, an NCI-designated Cancer Center. Only four percent of US hospitals have this designation (and one of only two in Virginia). This means we have access to the latest research, clinical trials and therapies for our patients.

Expert, compassionate care and second opinions

Our team is trained in the art and science of caring for kids with cancer. While we are for children in the Greater Richmond area and from across Virginia, our new therapies, comprehensive programs and unique support programs attract patients outside of Virginia for second options too. Our team will:

  • Confirm diagnosis before starting treatment.
  • Review all available treatment options and make sure they’re appropriate for the type of cancer and age of the patient.
  • Address any doubts or questions you might have before starting treatment.
  • Engage a full team of specialists to help your child fight their specific type of cancer.
  • Change therapy if a new treatment method or clinical trial is recommended Introduce a full support team to address all aspects of cancer treat such as school, mental health, spiritual needs, community resources and even how to have a little fun while in the clinic.
  • After we complete treatment, we continue to care for patients into adulthood.

Types of cancer we treat

Trained in the art and science of caring for kids 

Oncology patientWe draw on the expertise of hematologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists and other pediatric experts who are specially trained on the unique needs of young patients. 

My child has been diagnosed with cancer: Now what?

It takes a village to take care of a child with cancer  – it’s not a one-person, or even a one-specialty, operation. Our team is made up of board-certified doctors who specialize in hematology and oncology, but we also collaborate with our colleagues across the spectrum of pediatric specialties – intensive care, cardiology, gastroenterology, etc. – depending on the needs of the individual child.

Our team also includes passionate and compassionate nurses, psychologists, pharmacists, social workers, child life specialists, educational consultants and others who make sure we focus on every aspect of a child’s life that is impacted by their disease. All of these people are under one roof and can be pulled together to provide the best care for the child. And, of course, we can’t forget about the families who are by their children’s side – night and day, at home, in clinic and in the hospital. It’s a strenuous journey for them and we make sure they know they aren’t in it alone.

Our community partners also help ease the stress of a childhood cancer journey. ASKConnor’s HeroesCJSTUF, our Children’s Hospital Foundation and so many other groups help our teams and our families thrive.

A clinic dedicated to navigating childhood cancer

You’ll get to know our dedicated ASK Clinic team – and we’ll hopefully become part of your family. Our comprehensive clinic is housed in the Children’s Pavilion and has access to:

  • Infusion center in the clinic
  • On-site pharmacy for chemotherapy and infusion medications
  • The only pediatric 3T MRI in the region
  • Child life activities including procedure preparation, game systems, crafts and special celebrations
  • Pediatric subspecialists under one roof

Learn more about ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation

Our patients also have access to the latest treatments on our campus, including:

Leaders in pediatric cancer research and training future pediatric cancer doctors

Pediatric cancers differ significantly from adult-onset cancer in how they develop, are treated and respond to therapy. You want your child to be cared for by pediatric oncologists like ours.

Not only do our physicians specialize in caring for young patients, but they are actively participating in national research programs to find new treatments and potential cures that allow kids to get back to being kids.

We are a fully accredited member of the Children’s Oncology Group, the world's largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research. Our connection with COG ensures we can access up-to-the-minute data.

CHoR is also one of only two programs in Virginia that train future pediatric cancer doctors.

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Meet the team

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Frances Austin, MD
Frances Austin MD Hematology and oncology
Solid tumor clinic
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Thomas Brunner, FNP-BC
Thomas Brunner FNP-BC Hematology and oncology Read more
Carrie Entsminger, CPNP
Carrie Entsminger CPNP Hematology and oncology Read more
Megan Gladding, FNP-C
Megan Gladding FNP-C Hematology and oncology
Bone marrow transplant and stem cell therapies
Read more
Madhu S Gowda, MD
Madhu Gowda MD Hematology and oncology Read more
Elizabeth Krieger, MD
Elizabeth Krieger MD Hematology and oncology
Bone marrow transplant and stem cell therapies
Cellular immunotherapies and transplant
Read more
India Yount Sisler, MD
India Sisler MD Hematology and oncology Read more
Brook VanBuesking, LCSW
Brook VanBuesking LCSW Hematology and oncology Read more

Locations

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