Leukemia Care

Leukemia is the most common form of cancer in children, affecting more than 3,500 children and adolescents each year in the U.S. alone. While leukemia can occur at any age, it is most common in children between two and six years old. There are different types of leukemia, and each requires specific treatments and expertise to ensure the best results.

If your child has been diagnosed with leukemia, it's important to work with experts who understand your child's specific cancer type. At Columbia, our leukemia specialists regularly treat even the rarest forms of pediatric leukemia. And as part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, our physician-scientists are actively involved with the latest research into tomorrow's treatments.

What Is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. It starts in the bone marrow, with cells that would normally develop into different types of blood cells (typically immature white blood cells). But instead of maturing correctly, these immature leukemia cells begin to reproduce rapidly. These overproducing cells can build up in the bone marrow, preventing the marrow from creating healthy cells. Leukemia cells can also spill into the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body—such as the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and central nervous system.

Care at Columbia

Our multidisciplinary team of experts is highly skilled in treating all forms of leukemia in children. Our specialists work closely with the Stem Cell Transplantation Program at Columbia to coordinate care for patients whose treatment options include bone marrow transplantation. Our team works closely with other specialists here at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital—named the #1 children's hospital in New York City by U.S. News & World Report.

The Latest Research

Our doctors are also active in ongoing research to develop novel therapies for leukemia and to improve the effectiveness of current treatments. As members of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC), our doctors are leading the way towards new discoveries and innovative new treatment options through the latest clinical trials.

Explore Current Clinical Trials at HICCC

Personalized Care for Your Child

The most effective leukemia treatments start with understanding your child's specific cancer. We examine the genetic makeup of your child's cancer to determine which treatment options would offer the best outcomes.

Comprehensive Support for the Entire Family

We understand that your child is more than their disease. Lengthy treatment can pose social and emotional challenges—for you, your child, and your entire family. We provide support and resources to help keep everyone focused on what's important.

Conditions We Treat

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
• Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
• Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML)
• Lymphadenopathy
• Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

Treatments We Offer

• Bone marrow transplantation (stem cell transplantation)
• Chemotherapy
• Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Targeted drug therapies

Program Highlights

• Adolescent and Young Adult Program
• Pediatric Cellular Therapy Program
  • Certified for recurrent or persistent ALL in children and adolescents
• Resources for support
  • Center for Comprehensive Wellness
  • Center for Survivor Wellness
  • Palliative Care Program
• Stem Cell Transplantation Program