1. Pediatric Cancer Center equipped with a dedicated pediatric cancer and hematology ward, our center has extensive experience in treating childhood cancers. With advancements in medicine, the cure rate for pediatric cancers has reached 70-80%.
Since 2016, the International Medical Center of China Medical University Hospital has collaborated with enterprises and community organizations to promote the "One International Charity Medical Project Per Year" initiative. This year, the program welcomed its seventh beneficiary, a 5-year-old Cambodian child named Xiao Mo, who suffers from a severe type of neuroblastoma. Xiao Mo received GD2 antibody immunotherapy, offering a critical chance for survival.
Neuroblastoma commonly affects young children, with approximately 20 cases reported annually in Taiwan. The Children's Hospital of CMUH treats 3–5 such cases each year. Dr. Su Min-Yu, from the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, explained, "Xiao Mo has a severe form of neuroblastoma. Large-scale international clinical trials have confirmed that GD2 antibody immunotherapy is highly effective for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. Last year, this treatment was included in Taiwan's National Health Insurance under specific conditions, benefiting numerous Taiwanese children. After careful evaluation, we determined that this was the best treatment option for Xiao Mo. With the assistance of the International Medical Center and corporate sponsorship, this treatment became a ray of hope for Xiao Mo's survival."
Xiao Mo's mother, deeply moved, expressed her gratitude: "Thank you to this team of lifesaving angels! We will keep fighting!"
Pediatric Cancer: Early Detection and Personalized Precision Medicine
Young children often face challenges in expressing their discomfort, and caregivers may lack familiarity with the symptoms of pediatric cancer, leading to missed opportunities for early treatment.
The Pediatric Hematology and Oncology team at China Medical University Children’s Hospital is actively integrating advanced therapies such as immunotherapy, cellular therapy, targeted therapy, and proton therapy, in addition to traditional treatments. This comprehensive approach aims to design personalized treatment plans tailored to each pediatric cancer patient, offering a more promising outlook for recovery.
The pediatric cancer care team comprises specialists from various fields, including:
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Dentistry, Pediatric Radiology, Radiation Oncology, Pathology, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Psychiatry, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pain Management, Rehabilitation, Nutrition, Palliative and Hospice Care Team, Pediatric Cardiology, Social Workers, Psychologists, Pharmacists, Molecular Precision Medicine Laboratory
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The Red Nose Doctors bring joy and laughter to hospital wards, providing emotional relief and creating a positive environment for young patients.
Innovative Research and Development
Pediatric Cancer Treatment: Precision Medicine for Improved Outcomes
Pediatric cancers differ significantly from adult cancers, often with better cure rates. However, approximately 30% of children treated with traditional therapies experience relapse, which can lead to fatal outcomes. To address this challenge, our department actively employs precision medicine for relapsed pediatric cancers.
We integrate advanced genomic sequencing technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), to guide personalized treatments. Beyond traditional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical interventions, we embrace innovative therapies, including:
- Immunotherapy and Cellular Therapy: Our hospital is the first MOHW-approved CAR-T therapy center in central Taiwan.
- Targeted Therapy: Utilizing drugs designed to target specific cancer mutations.
- Proton Therapy: As the first hospital in central Taiwan to offer this cutting-edge treatment.
Through these advanced approaches, we aim to tailor personalized treatment plans for each child, striving to achieve more favorable and lasting outcomes.
Pediatric Brain Tumor Advancements: Precision Targeted Therapy
Between April 2020 and October 2024, our department diagnosed and treated 29 pediatric brain tumor cases.
So far, 7 cases have been enrolled in targeted therapy studies. Results have shown remarkable tumor response rates while significantly reducing the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy, marking a significant step forward for broader research and application.
Despite challenges in treating malignant gliomas, medulloblastomas, and ATRTs, which have poorer prognoses, we remain optimistic that targeted therapies will soon enhance cure rates for these conditions, bringing new hope to children battling brain tumors.
Featured Healthcare
Advanced Pediatric Cancer Treatments at Our Institution
- Immunotherapy and Cell Therapy: Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. Several immune checkpoint inhibitors are currently available to treat specific cases of melanoma and brain tumors. For refractory and relapsed CD19-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children, our hospital offers CAR-T cell therapy, a groundbreaking treatment. We are proud to be the first institution in central Taiwan approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare to administer CAR-T treatments.
- Proton Therapy: Compared to traditional radiation therapy, proton therapy provides more precise radiation doses, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This is particularly beneficial for children who are still in their growth and developmental stages, offering a safer option for reducing long-term side effects of radiation. In 2024, our hospital opened the first proton therapy center in central Taiwan, aiming to benefit pediatric cancer patients in the region with this innovative treatment option.
Services
Diseases
- Pediatric Leukemia
- Pediatric Solid Tumors
- Pediatric Anemia
- Pediatric Purpura
- Hemophilia
- Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation / Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation
Symptoms
- Unexplained Fever
- Unexplained Pain
- Unexplained Swelling or Masses
- Lymphadenopathy (Enlarged Lymph Nodes)
- Growth and Developmental Delays or Changes
- Paleness (Pallor)
- Petechiae or Bleeding Tendencies
- Neurological Symptoms (e.g., difficulty walking, inability to grasp objects, double vision)
- Abnormal Reflexes in the Eyes
- Dr. Te-Kau Chang : Specializes in pediatric hematologic malignancies, tumors, anemia, purpura, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
- Dr. Ching-Tien Peng: Expertise in pediatric blood cancers, tumors, anemia, purpura, hemophilia, and thalassemia.
- Dr. Min Yu Su : Focuses on pediatric blood cancers, brain tumors, anemia, purpura, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and CAR-T cell therapy.
- Dr. Deng-Yang Yu : Specializes in pediatric blood cancers, tumors, anemia, purpura, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and CAR-T cell therapy.