Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology - University Hospital Saarland Homburg

About the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at University Hospital Saarland Homburg

The Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at the University Hospital Saarland Homburg provides the widest range of services for young patients in these medical fields. The department is responsible for high-precision diagnostics and comprehensive treatment of solid malignant tumors (brain cancer, lymphomas, nephroblastomas, and others), as well as benign and malignant blood diseases and blood clotting disorders in children. Young patients can receive medical care both on an inpatient and outpatient basis. An integral part of the treatment is psychosocial support for both the patient and his family. The medical care in the department complies with the guidelines of the German Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (GPOH). The treatment is based on the use of only reliable and effective therapeutic methods, which, in most cases, allow doctors to achieve the child's complete recovery. The department offers well-equipped play areas, music therapy, and various types of animation programs for children, which significantly facilitates the therapeutic process. The department is headed by Prof. Dr. med. Marc Remke.

In the field of pediatric oncology, the department's specialists carry out comprehensive diagnostics and treatment of malignant solid neoplasms, among which the most common are brain and spinal cord tumors, sarcomas, lymphomas, nephroblastomas, retinoblastomas, and germ cell tumors. When developing a treatment regimen, the department's doctors are guided by the recommendations of the German Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (GPOH). At the same time, it is important for physicians to provide each child with customized therapy based on the specific diagnosis, stage of the oncological process, age, and general health condition. The department's specialists resort to the most effective regimens of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy to treat cancer in children. The department demonstrates excellent treatment results as about 80% of children with malignant diseases recover. Treatment success depends on many factors, for example, the main diagnosis, the stage of the pathology, the response to the therapy, etc.

Among malignant blood diseases in children, special attention is paid to leukemia treatment. In most cases, chemotherapy is the main therapeutic option. In some clinical cases, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy can also be used. In complex cases, the only effective method to defeat leukemia may be a bone marrow transplant. The procedure is carried out in cooperation with doctors specializing in treating oncological diseases in adults within the specialized Hematology Laboratory. Treatment success rates for leukemia in children are also at a high level, which is facilitated by the exceptional professional skills of doctors and their rich experience in managing patients with this pathology.

When treating young patients with hemophilia A and B, as well as other blood clotting disorders, the department actively cooperates with the Institute of Clinical Hematology and Transfusion Medicine. The department also has vast experience in treating hemophilia, which is carried out in a specialized supraregional center. The center operates around the clock and provides professional medical care even in the most complex clinical cases. A key role for the optimal treatment of hemophilia is played by interdisciplinary cooperation with other departments at the hospital, including surgical disciplines, with the Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Radiology. The core service range for hemophilia treatment is complemented by genetic counseling, prenatal care, psychotherapy, and psychological support.

The Hemophilia Center effectively treats von Willebrand-Juergens disease, which is one of the most common congenital blood clotting disorders. In most cases, the pathology is characterized by bleeding of the mucous membranes, the formation of hematomas, and the development of secondary bleeding during operations and other invasive manipulations. Acquired forms of von Willebrand-Juergens disease may develop in the case of rheumatic disorders, heart valve defects, or other pathologies. Physicians have at their disposal a variety of treatment methods, including oral drugs, transfusions (such as plasma transfusions), replacement therapy with Von Willebrand factor, and hormone therapy.

The department's main clinical activities include the diagnostics and treatment of the following diseases in children and adolescents:

• Malignant solid tumors
  • Brain cancer
  • Spinal cord cancer
  • Bone and soft tissue sarcomas
  • Lymphomas
  • Nephroblastomas
  • Retinoblastomas
  • Germ cell tumors
• Malignant blood diseases
  • Leukemias
• Benign blood diseases
  • Hemophilia A and B
  • von Willebrand-Juergens disease
• Other diseases

The department's therapeutic options include:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Bone marrow transplant (within the specialized Hematology Laboratory)
• Transfusion therapy
• Other treatment methods