Being diagnosed with cancer is a life-changing point for adults, not to mention the child population. According to the AACR (American Association for Cancer Research), 300,000 children 0-19 years of age get a terrifying diagnosis every year. That's why finding the top pediatric cancer hospitals is critical to start treatment early and get more chances for remission.
At Bookimed, we know how confusing choosing the best cancer hospital is. The parents often don’t know where to start. This article includes our rating of the best pediatric cancer hospitals based on patient reviews.
Table of Contents
- Top Pediatric Cancers: Case Numbers
- Criteria for Selecting the Best Hospitals
- Top 10 Pediatric Cancer Hospitals
- Advanced Cancer Treatment Strategies
- How to Settle Treatment Strategy with Bookimed
- FAQ
Top Pediatric Cancers: Case Numbers
Pediatric cancer refers to cancer that occurs in children, usually under the age of 15. It is challenging for the whole family. There are a few common types of pediatric cancer:
- Leukemia. The most common childhood cancer (approximately 20% to 30% of all cases) affects blood and bone marrow. The survival rate for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is 90%, while for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), it's ~65%;
Brain and CNS (Central Nervous System) Tumors. The second most common pediatric cancer. More than 4,000 kids are diagnosed with these tumors annually. The survival rates vary by type. For example, the five-year survival rate for Medulloblastoma is 80.6%.
Lymphoma. The main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's (survival rate ~89%) and Non-Hodgkin's (survival rate ~74%). The main difference between those lymphomas is the tissue type where they develop. People with Hodgkin's lymphoma have enlarged mutated lymphocytes, called Reed-Sternberg cells, absent in the second case.
Neuroblastoma. Affects the sympathetic nervous system, often in children under 5. Children in low and intermediate-risk groups have over 90% survival rate.
Osteosarcoma & Ewing Sarcoma. Bone cancers are commonly found in teenagers, affecting long bones, the pelvis, or the chest wall. The survival rate for these cancer types is ~70% (without metastasis).
Pediatric cancer demands swift and expert medical care. The quality of the doctor's attention can improve the overall experience during this difficult time.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Hospitals
The best pediatric hospitals make early cancer detection a priority. Their cutting-edge therapies, such as precision medicine and immunotherapy, offer hope to young patients and their families.
Bookimed has picked the Top 10 pediatric oncology hospitals based on our smart rating system. We took into account the following criteria:
Years of doctor's expertise;
Suсcess rates (such as long-term survival and quality of life post-treatment);
Quality of support services for patients and families;
Level of clinical trials and research.
Top 10 Pediatric Cancer Hospitals
1. Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) - Tel Aviv, Israel
Sourasky Medical Center has one of the best pediatric cancer hospitals in the world. Dana Dwek Children's Hospital is a specialized pediatric medical center on Sourasky premises. It has a 90% survival rate, one of the highest in the world.
Dana Dwek doctors offer a comprehensive approach to treating pediatric cancer. They apply targeted and supportive therapies (such as pain syndrome management, nutrition consulting, anemia treatment, etc.).
Sourasky doctors invent new methods for cancer detection and treatment. One such method is the Foundation One CDx test, which focuses on 324 genes that cause malignant tumors. Ichilov specialists are among the pioneers in scientific research.
The price policy has special offers for foreigners without requiring them to pay extra fees.
2. Rambam Medical Center - Haifa, Israel
The Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital at Rambam Haifa is a leading center for pediatric care, offering world-class cancer treatment for children. Their cancer treatment program focuses both on the physical aspects of the disease and the emotional well-being of the patient.
The hospital's multidisciplinary team includes Ron Hoffman, MD, who heads the Center of Hematology-Oncology. Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital also uses the Da Vinci robotic system for child surgery. The Bone Marrow Transplant Unit specialists have performed 2000+ successful transplants so far.
Read more details Hide details
Rambam Hospital is one of the greatest medical centers in Israel. Thousands of international patients visit the medical center every year. It offers more than 1,000 beds for inpatients. It is necessary to mention that the Rambam medical team includes leading Israeli specialists – professors and doctors, some of whom were even awarded the Nobel Prize. Up-to-date equipment and advanced technologies allow these high-level specialists to refine and develop in various realms of medicine.
| Breast cancer surgery | $9500 - $12000 |
| Installing heart pacemaker | $12300 - $14800 |
| Сervix Conization | $4700 - $5000 |
| Immunotherapy | $3500 - $5000 |
| Myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids) | $23800 |
Parents can take comfort in knowing that the hospital prioritizes working on side effects and quality of life post-treatment. The cost of services depends on the cancer stage and complexity, making it lower or higher than other European centers.
3. Sheba Medical Center - Ramat Gan, Israel
The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, a part of Sheba Medical Center, is one of Israel's top pediatric cancer hospitals. The facility has the name of philanthropist Lily Safra. It covers 1,990 specialties offering a comprehensive treatment approach to complex diseases.
Dr. Ra'anan Berger, a medical oncologist, applies new treatment and diagnostics strategies, such as CAR-T cell therapy, and has shown positive results for over 4,500 oncology patients. The price range varies from $90000 - $120000, with possible changes depending on doctor's recommendations.
There are also many support services available for the patient's families. These include psychological support, educational services, and other activities to maintain a child's normal activities during the treatment.
The price policy depends on the type of cancer and supportive illnesses. Contact Bookimed to get a personalized offer from the medical coordinator.
Read more details Hide details
Sheba Medical Center is one of the best hospitals in Israel and in the world. Newsweek International Magazine ranked Sheba Hospital in TOP 10 world's hospital in 2020. The hospital covers 1,990 specialties and over 1,500,000 patients all around the world visit Sheba Hospital for treatment every year.
| Kidney transplant | $100000 |
4. Anadolu Medical Center - İstanbul, Turkey
Anadolu Medical Center has a dedicated Department for Pediatric Oncology treatment. It is affiliated with the world leader in oncology, Johns Hopkins Medicine. This affiliation is a patient's guarantee for the highest level of treatment effectiveness. The doctors at Anadolu have adopted the innovative treatment methods from their American colleagues.
The doctors at Anadolu apply their unique diagnostic method called CTC (Circulating Tumor Cells) to detect cancer at its early stages. It allows for the distinction of cancer cells when the tumor is less than 5 mm in size.
5. Memorial Şişli Hospital - İstanbul, Turkey
Memorial Şişli Hospital is the first hospital in Turkey accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) for high-quality treatment. Its leading pediatric hematologist, Dr. Atila Tanyeli, has 37 years of experience treating acute blood disorders like leukemia, lymphoma, etc.
The hospital has the newest equipment to diagnose and treat cancer:
64-slice CT device;
TrueBeam STx radiotherapy device;
IMRT apparatus.
These radiotherapy treatments allow doctors to reach smaller tumors (up to 1.5 mm) without damaging other tissues. Specialists also apply chemotherapy, surgical interventions, and targeted drugs to destroy cancer cells purposely.
We at Bookimed have partnered with Memorial Şişli Hospital to arrange treatment with no intermediaries and extra charges.
6. Liv Hospital Ulus - İstanbul, Turkey
Liv Hospital Ulus is an innovative cancer-treating facility. The center has about 50,000 patients annually.
Dr. Gulnihal Ozdemir, the leading pediatric oncologist, has 27 years of practice treating blood-related cancers and anemias. She's a professional at utilizing TrueBeam STx, which provides the whole body image in real time without damaging the healthy tissue./p>
Liv Hospital Ulus is famous for its hair preservation chemo technology. To minimize hair loss, a patient wears a special cap to lower the scalp's temperature. As a result, fewer medications enter the bloodstream, minimizing the impact on hair growth.
In addition to cancer treatment, the hospital also provides supportive care to manage the side effects of chemotherapy and improve the overall quality of life for pediatric patients. The price policy of the hospital allows it to set lower prices without compromising the treatment quality.
Read more details Hide details
Liv Hospital Ulus is a multi-specialized medical center located in Istanbul.
Orthopedics, cancer treatment, weight loss surgery, neurosurgery, heart surgery and regenerative medicine are the leading specialties in the hospital.
Liv is a smart hospital with innovative medical technologies available: da Vinci robot-assisted system for the surgeries, MAKOplasty for knee replacement, YAG Laser for vascular surgery, virtual angiography for cardiac diagnostics, etc.
Liv Hospital in Istanbul is a popular weight loss surgery clinic in Turkey — patients lose 71% of their excess weight in a year.
| Gastric sleeve surgery (Sleeve gastrectomy) | $3511 - $3545 |
| Gastric balloon | $2600 - $3600 |
| Robotic da Vinci prostatectomy | $14900 - $15000 |
| CyberKnife | $9000 - $13000 |
| Stem cell therapy | $8150 - $15150 |
7. Medipol Mega Hastaneler Kompleksi - İstanbul, Turkey
Medipol Mega Hospital Complex features a specialized Pediatric Oncology Unit for different types of childhood cancers. Being one of Turkey's leading pediatric oncology hospitals, Medipol has state-of-the-art technology and internationally acclaimed specialists. The complex adheres to global treatment protocols set by the Joint Commission International (JCI).
The doctors at Medipol contribute to the hospital's high success rates in treating pediatric oncology and hematology cases.
The treatment prices at Medipol are sometimes half lower than in other European clinics, making it beneficial for patients from all over the world.
8. Hisar Intercontinental Hospital - İstanbul, Turkey
Hisar Intercontinental Hospital in Istanbul is renowned for providing high-quality pediatric cancer treatment in a supportive, patient-centered environment. The pediatric oncology team at the hospital offers a multidisciplinary approach, which means that a patient is examined across various specialties for the best possible outcome.
The hospital's state-of-the-art facilities include advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options, such as chemotherapy and other targeted therapies, which are critical in managing pediatric cancers effectively.
Hisar Intercontinental Hospital has also earned accolades for its excellence in person-centered care. It means that the hospital prioritizes the needs and comfort of their patients throughout their treatment journey.
Treatment costs at Hisar Intercontinental Hospital vary based on the cancer stage and type of procedure. The average price range for bone marrow transplantation at Hisar Intercontinental Hospital varies between $45,000 and $90,000.
9. Wiener Privatklinik - Vienna, Austria
Wiener Privatklinik is a private hospital in Austria. Its Cancer Center is one of the few healthcare institutions in Europe that:
- Pioneers personalized medicine in oncology, tailoring treatment plans to each patient's unique genetic cancer profile.
- Offers cutting-edge technologies and high-quality treatments, focusing on the most effective options.
The leading pediatric oncologist, Univ. Dr. Christoph Zielinski makes Wiener Privatklinik one of the best pediatric cancer hospitals. Cancer treatments at the hospital range from €20,000 to €100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and length of the required care.
Patients undergo comprehensive histopathological testing of tumor tissue, ensuring precise diagnostics and the formulation of a personalized treatment plan. The hospital's oncologists prioritize targeted therapy and immunotherapy. They also integrate chemo-, radiotherapy, and surgery to achieve the best results.
Read more details Hide details
Wiener Privatklinik is a private hospital in Austria. Prof. Rainer Kotz is the Medical Director of the Clinic. Wiener Privatklinik has the connection with some Nobel Prize winners. Among them Theodor Billroth, Robert Barany, Karl Landsteiner, Konrad Lorenz, Otto Loewi, Karl Ritter von Frisch. Sigmund Freud was practicing in the Clinic.
10. Centro Médico Teknon - Barcelona, Spain
Centro Médico Teknon is famous for its professional oncologist, Dr. Raimon Miralbell, who makes it one of the best pediatric cancer hospitals. The doctor has received numerous awards as the leading radiation oncologist and author of 100 international publications.
The hospital has a digital, patient-oriented approach. Most of its treatment programs rely on technologies, reducing medical errors to zero. Oncologists here follow strict American standards developed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (USA).
Cancer treatment priorities are:
- Chemotherapy prescribed individually;
- Hormone therapy aimed to slow or stop the growth of a hormone-dependent tumor;
- Immunotherapy — another method of drug treatment used to activate the body's natural ability to protect itself.
Advanced Cancer Treatment Strategies
Method | Radiation Therapy | CyberKnife | Varian Edge | Surgical Oncology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Duration | 6-8 weeks without surgery, 4-6 weeks with surgery | Approximately one week (1-1.5 hours per session) | 2-4 weeks (15-20 minutes per session) | It takes a few hours, depending on the stage. |
| Description | Delivering high-energy radiation to tumors | Irradiating tumor with up to 0.5 mm accuracy | Targets tumors from different angles with a high dose of radiation | 3-4 small incisions made with the Da Vinci system |
Healthy tissues | Affected | Mostly intact | Mostly intact | It can be removed to prevent metastasis |
Invasive | No | Minimal | No | Yes |
Lifestyle Impact | The patient needs rehabilitation | Minimal | Minimal | The patient needs rehabilitation |
How to Settle Treatment Strategy with Bookimed
Parents should read the patient reviews to find the best pediatric hospital and check the medical facility and equipment. It is pretty time-consuming and not an option when battling cancer.
Bookimed has worked hard and reached out to find the best pediatric cancer hospitals. Every clinic has a medical advisor, minimizing the time for response. The patients receive a detailed overview of procedures and prices from verified sources.
Bookimed experts featured the best pediatric oncology hospitals, offering exceptional care, advanced treatment options, and hope for children facing cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which country has the most famous pediatric cancer hospital?
Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv and Anadolu Medical Center in Istanbul are some of the most famous pediatric cancer hospitals.
2. Which hospital has the highest success rates?
Medipol Mega Hastaneler Kompleksi in Turkey has a 91.5 % success rate at bone marrow transplantation.
3. Which hospital is best for treating brain and spinal cord tumors?
Anadolu Medical Center in Turkey applies its diagnostic method, CTC, to detect early-stage cancer. They also use Varian Edge — an innovative radiation technology that doesn't impact healthy tissues.
Each hospital excels in different areas so that the best choice will depend on individual treatment requirements and preferences. Bookimed has chosen the best pediatric hospitals based on their treatment strategies, cost, and success rates.
You may also find other articles on our blog useful
- EDGE Varian - modern radiation therapy and radiosurgery. URL: https://polymedex.org/en/blog/edge-varian--luchevaya-terapiya-i-radiohirurgiya(date of access: 23.08.2024).
- Childhood Leukemia - Cancer Stat Facts. SEER. URL: https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/childleuk.html (date of access: 30.08.2024).
- Neuroblastoma. Yale Medicine. URL: https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/neuroblastoma (date of access: 30.08.2024).
- World's Best Hospitals. World's Best Hospitals. URL: https://worldsbesthospitals.net/ (date of access: 23.08.2024).