Cancer remains a leading cause of disease-related deaths among children in the United States, necessitating specialized and comprehensive care. The pediatric orthopaedic team at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Orthopaedics is dedicated to treating a wide array of bone, joint, and muscle conditions in young patients, alongside a broad spectrum of pediatric cancers and blood disorders.
Comprehensive Cancer Care and Support
Patients at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center benefit from access to leading-edge clinical trials evaluating novel therapies and a variety of supportive programs designed to enhance their treatment journey. The center is also recognized for its expertise in managing the long-term effects experienced by childhood cancer survivors.
The UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center has received national accolades for its surgical oncology care, earning recognition as an American College of Surgeons (ACS) Surgical Quality Partner. This award acknowledges the center's commitment to quality care, complication prevention, and improved patient outcomes.
Common Childhood Cancers Addressed
The UC Davis team specializes in treating common childhood cancers, including:
- Osteosarcoma: An aggressive form of bone cancer.
- Ewing’s sarcoma: A rare malignant tumor affecting bone or soft tissue.
- Rhabdomyosarcoma: The most prevalent type of soft tissue sarcoma in children, originating in muscle tissue.
Early Detection and Innovative Treatments
Pediatric sarcomas often present subtly in their early stages, making early detection crucial. Parents should be vigilant for potential warning signs such as growing pains, unexplained pain or weight loss, lumps, swelling, persistent fatigue, or fevers. Prompt evaluation of these symptoms by a pediatrician or orthopaedist can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Advancements in technology and chemotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of bone sarcomas. Historically, amputation was a common outcome, but now, limb-sparing techniques and reconstructive methods, including metal implants and innovative bone regrowth strategies, are employed to preserve extremities following tumor removal.
Expert Leadership and Research
R. Lor Randall, a pediatric musculoskeletal surgical oncologist and chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UC Davis Health, is an internationally recognized expert in sarcoma treatment. "The greatest professional privilege of my life is to dedicate my efforts, time, and soul to care for kids and families in this struggle," said Randall, who recently performed a clavicula pro humero procedure, utilizing a patient’s collarbone to reconstruct a new upper arm, avoiding amputation.
Collaborative Research and Ongoing Support
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers collaborate closely with oncologists to accelerate the translation of laboratory discoveries into clinical trials and patient care. Collaborative research initiatives focus on studying and understanding tumors to develop more effective treatments.
"We understand the challenges faced by children and their families when dealing with cancer," stated surgical oncologist Danielle Brown. "Supporting these young patients and their families through such a physically and mentally challenging time is crucial. Even after treatment, these patients require ongoing surveillance for years, which can be psychologically challenging."
