Cancer treatment is part of the universe of specialties which comprise modern medicine. Not only are there different approaches to treatment for different cancers…there are different approaches for the same cancer.
You will be choosing where and how your child is treated. We encourage you to pursue information on as many of the treatment options as is possible and reasonable for you.
You should understand that most hospitals, large or small, have little experience with neuroblastoma, and, while they may offer treatment, it will in all likelihood not be "cutting edge" treatment. It is the consensus of experienced parent advocates that choosing a treatment center with extensive experience in treating neuroblastoma, access to the latest research and clinical trials of new medications and therapies, is important. There are many useful resources available to help you travel to your treatment center of choice, and to find accomodations for family members who have to overnight at centers far from home. (See resources.)
The treatment centers listed here have in common the fact that they do have experience treating neuroblastoma, and are far more likely to be up to date with the latest research and therapies. We do not recommend any one treatment center over another. This list is simply to help you find centers which are geographically close to you, and which have experience treating this disease.
As you pursue these options, ask pointed questions about what the treatment involves, what the outcomes have been, what experience the center has had with other patients pursuing the same treatment options, and what quality of life issues may result from the treatment. If you ask the questions, and are persistent in pursuing the answers, you will find that the professionals with whom you deal will tell you the truth. Don’t be afraid to get a second or even a third opinion. No one will be offended. A physician who is offended by the idea of a second opinion may not be one with whom you will be comfortable working.
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