Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth

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To register for Rapid Cancer Therapy (Szybka terapia onkologiczna) - state programme, please call: +48 22 32 77 205

Please bring along copies of all imaging tests.

 

Our History

2 January 1962 – the opening of Poland's first Paediatric Oncology Department.

1968 – the opening of Therapy and Treatment Centre in Rabka (42 beds)

1972 – PZWL publishes a textbook on childhood cancer, Poland's first and one of the first in the world.

 

On January 2, 1962, at the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, the first in Poland and the second in the world, the Children's Oncology Department, was founded, whose initiator, founder and organizer was prof. dr hab. n. med. Józef Bożek (1919-2011). Professor J. Bożek was also the first National Consultant for Children oncology in Poland. An Oncology Department for Children was opened at the IMC, aimed at qualifying the child for treatment, consulting children and conducting post-treatment control. This structure of the Department has remained to this day.

Professor J. Bożek was the Head of the department until 1990. From 1991 to 1996, the Head of the Children and Youth Oncology Department was prof. dr hab. n. med. Danuta Perek. In 1996, the department moved to IP-CZD. At the same time, the Oncological Surgery Department was established at the Mother and Child Institute, and then the Children and Youth Oncological Surgery department, headed by prof. dr hab. n. med. Wojciech Wożniak (1951-2012). Professor Wojciech Woźniak was an outstanding scientist, author of many publications, didactic teacher, teacher of young generations of doctors, and above all a precursor of conservative surgical treatment and surgical treatment of metastatic foci in the lungs in children and adolescents with solid tumors in Poland.

After the death of prof. Wojciech Wożniak, the head of the department was Magdalena Rychłowska-Pruszyńska, MD, PhD. From July 2017, the head of the department is prof. IMiD, dr hab. n. med. Anna Raciborska.

Today, the department, on the basis of many years of experience, is actively involved in scientific research projects and clinical trials, which results in deepening trust among patients.

 

Source materials:

Bożkowa K. Institute of Mother and Child in the years 1948-2011. ISBN 978-83-9325504-2-4

Our Services

Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth is a highly specialised treatment centre, in particular in the treatment of tumours in children, including: Coordination and treatment centre for the treatment of bone cancer in children and youth, Complete diagnostics and comprehensive treatment (chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy) of childhood and youth cancer, Complete diagnostics and comprehensive treatment of child patients from all regions of Poland, with cancers of soft tissue, bone, sympathetic nervous system, kidneys, germ cells, thyroid gland, liver; skin abnormalities and other neoplastic and tumour-like processes, We are a referral centre for conserving, less radical therapies that make it possible to salvage a child's limb through the use of oncological endoprosthetic solutions and so called growing prosthetics. The prosthetic limb grows. In such cases we use an oncological endoprosthesis that extends as the child grows. Institute of Mother and Child is among the few medical centres globally, where the endoprosthesis is extended through the application of electromagnetic field, making the procedure quick and non-invasive. We cooperate with a number of domestic and foreign medical organizations. Research: Projects delivered by the Clinic State commissioned projects – medical opinions Grants Published original works Teaching: Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth of IMC cooperates with paediatric oncology centres across Poland and a number of treatment centres abroad. We offer certification in childhood oncology for paediatric surgeons before Level 2 specialisation, oncologic surgeons, general surgeons and paediatricians.

The activities of the Clinic include:

  • acting as a coordination and treatment center for bone malignant tumors in children and adolescents,
  • conducting full diagnostics and comprehensive treatment (chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy) of childhood and adolescent cancers,
  • conducting full diagnostics and treatment of patients from all over the country with the following childhood cancers: soft tissue cancers, bone cancer, sympathetic system cancer, kidney cancer, germ cell tumors, thyroid gland cancer, liver cancer, skin changes, other cancer and neoplastic processes,
  • A reference center for conserving, less crippling, and saving a limb for a sick child. In this case, oncological endoprostheses and the so-called growing, allowing the limb to lengthen as the child grows. The Institute of Mother and Child, as one of the few centers in the world, started implanting endoprostheses extended by the action of the electromagnetic field. The lengthening procedure is short and non-invasive.
  • Cooperation with national and foreign scientific societies.

 

Teaching activities:

Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth  cooperates with children's oncology centers throughout the country and with many foreign institutions. We conduct attestation courses in the field of pediatric oncology for pre-II degree pediatric surgeons, surgeons-oncologists, general surgeons and paediatricians.

Scientific activity:

  • Tasks performed by the Clinic
  • Ordered projects - expert opinions
  • Grants
  • Published creative works
  • Commercial clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumors in children
  • Non-commercial clinical trials

In addition, it is worth noting that in 2020 the Oncology Clinic of the IMiD was selected, in the competition procedure of the Medical Research Agency, as the implementer of the first proprietary non-commercial clinical trial in Poland regarding the treatment of diseases in the field of histiocytosis. This is a great opportunity for our patients. The POL HISTIO project is a non-commercial clinical trial whose primary goal is to optimize the management and treatment of children with hyperplasia from histiocytic cells (including LCH, JXG, Rosai-Dorfman disease). The project coordinator is prof. Anna Raciborska - Head of the Department of Oncology and Oncological Surgery for Children and Adolescents.

Histiocytic cell proliferation is a rare disease with a diverse picture and clinical course. The course is often surprising, from spontaneous remissions to rapid progression leading to death. In recent years, it has been discovered that in many patients, proliferation in growths from histiocytic cells is due to disturbances in the RAS / MAPK signaling pathway. The occurrence of mutations is usually associated with a more aggressive form of the disease, its more severe consequences, resistance to conventional chemotherapy and, above all, with higher mortality. Targeted treatment has been attempted for several years all over the world.

The main goal of the POL HISTIO project is to improve the diagnosis of patients with histiocytic cell proliferation by assessing the molecular profile in the tumor tissue and monitoring it in the blood. Based on the results obtained, it will be possible to evaluate, among others the effectiveness of the treatment, as well as choosing its type. Another goal of POL HISTIO is to provide all sick children (especially those who are resistant to conventional therapy) the possibility of targeted treatment based on the results of a molecular test. This treatment will be entirely financed by the Medical Research Agency. The scope of the clinical trial is to cover patients from all over Poland. The project will also be supported by a leading US pediatric oncology center.

The project co-financing amount is PLN 19,954,352.00

Our team

Doctors

Qualifications

Ass.Professor, Anna Raciborska, MD, PhD

specialist in paediatrics

specialist in pediatric hematology and oncology

Iwona Malesza, MD

specialist in oncological surgery and pediatric surgery

Tomasz Koziński, MD

specialist in clinical oncology

Bartosz Pachuta, MD

specialist in orthopedics and traumatology, under training in oncological surgery

Tomasz Walenta, MD

specialist in pediatric surgery

Krzysztof Bronowicki, MD, PhD

specialist in pediatric surgery

specialist in oncological surgery

Barbara Sopyło, MD, PhD

specialist in paediatrics

specialist in pediatric hematology and oncology

Katarzyna Bilska, MD

specialist in paediatrics

rehabilitation specialist

Elżbieta Rogowska, MD

specialist in clinical oncology

Magdalena Rychłowska-Pruszyńska, MD, PhD

specialist in pediatric surgery

specialist in oncological surgery

Zofia Małas, MD

specialist in pediatrics, oncology and pediatric hematology

Wojciech Jasica, MD

phisician, fellow under training in orthopedics and traumatology

Borys Przybyszewski, MD, PhD

specialist in pediatrics, oncology and pediatric hematology

Agnieszka Szymborska, MD, PhD

specialist in pediatric surgery, , under training in oncological surgery

Sławomir Barszcz, MD, PhD

neurosurgeon

Limb salvage surgery

Limb salvage surgery

For nearly 20 years, the Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth  has been a precursor of sparing, less destructive treatment in children and adolescents.

Currently, the department is implementing a project of the Ministry of Health as part of the National Program for Combating Cancer Diseases.

The program provides for the reimbursement of post-resection oncological endoprostheses . Including the so-called growing, enabling non-invasive extension of the limb with the progressive growth of the patient, using the electromagnetic field, and mechanically extensible. Each implant is selected individually for each patient. In the case of an atypical scope of bone resection, age or tumor localization, the implemented endoprostheses are custom-made, the so-called custom made, including those made using 3D technology. Implants are made of special materials, covered with a TIN coating, in order to prevent infections and minimize the body's reaction to the implant.

After the procedure, the patient receives a personalized identifier - the implant passport, which is recommended to be carried at all times. Endoprostheses can activate sensors in airport gates. In the event of inspection and activation of the gate, the above document must be presented to the inspectors.

ATTENTION! Each patient, in order to qualify for LSS, must personally attend a consultation visit to the Oncological Surgery Clinic or Surgery Department.

The production of an implant is a long process that takes 8 to 10 weeks. Therefore, all documentation and imaging tests should be provided without undue delay after diagnosis of bone cancer.

Dear Patients and Parents!

We encourage you to read the information materials prepared by the team at our Department. Here you will find useful guidelines and recommendation related to limb salvage surgery.

Prof. Anna Raciborska, PhD, MD

Information "My child is waiting for arthroplasty" download here

Psychological Care

  1. Support from a psycho-oncologist
  2. Fatigue in cancer
  3. Fear and cancer

Ad.1

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, their life is split in two: in the hospital – when they see themselves only as a patient, and out of it – when they can be themselves. Cancer creates a breach between their hospital life and home life. It is important that the patient maintains the nurturing relationships from the time before the disease to benefit from their support. A child and his or her family should be helped to understand that the disease has not made the child different from their peer group. A psychologist can help the child to understand their reactions that may sometimes seem unnatural, while it is the situation that is unnatural, not the child. It is best when the parents continue to perform their parenting responsibilities: provide the child with education, help him or her grow and develop. A psychologist can help them to see that the disease should not affect the division of rights and responsibilities in the parent – child patient, child patient – sibling, parent – sibling relationships. The right approach will result in healthy behaviours in the future, which will translate into the child's relationships and success in life. Many people are involved in the treatment of the child: doctors, nurses, psychologists, counsellors, preachers. The patient's family, loved ones and friends form a crucial support group. There are also teachers and foundations cooperating with the Clinic. It is vital that all parties trust one another and work hand in hand to help the patient go through the treatment and get back to health. With the rapid progress psychology has enjoyed in the recent years (in the medical sense – psychooncology / psychosomatics / psychology of health and disease), as well as remembering the beneficial impact of psychological assistance during the disease, the Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth of Mother and Child employs two psychologists / counsellors with relevant postgraduate psychooncological training, members of Polish Psychooncologists Association. In-house psychological assistance consist of supporting and accompanying the patients and their families in solving problems related to the disease, in the course of the treatment and all related procedures. This includes assistance in handling other issues that can potentially affect the treatment and recovery. Psychological assistance extends beyond the treatment period and is offered also to patients who are dealing with other cancer-related issues. The psychologist conducts therapy sessions with the child patient and parents, observes the child / the family, works closely with the personnel of the oncology unit. They also provides psychological training by teaching parents about healthy parenting behaviours, eliminates popular misconceptions related to cancer and, if needed, uses also psychotherapeutic techniques. Dear children, parents, siblings and other whom it may concern: feel free to contact us, talk, ask questions. Be open, curious, inquisitive. We are available at the Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth or in the Clinic's office. You can also contact us via e-mail. Joanna Kmita (psychologist / counsellor / psychooncology expert) joanna.kmita@imid.med.pl Aleksandra Tobota (psychologist / counsellor / psychooncology expert) aleksandra.tobota@imid.med.pl

Ad.2

Treating a child's cancer is a long and intensive process. It affects many aspects of your life, including sense of security, family relationships, physical condition. It happens that people undergoing oncological treatment feel tired, sometimes lethargic and “uncomfortable”. This phenomenon is not a worsening of your health, nor is your treatment working. This feeling of apathy may last for a short time or longer, and may persist for several weeks after the end of treatment.

 

There can be many reasons for this:

  • the intensity of cancer research
  • treatment used: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, bone marrow transplant
  • bothersome side effects of treatment, e.g. bothersome vomiting, decreased appetite
  • anemia (low red blood cell counts)
  • infections that the child is more susceptible to now
  • a multitude of activities related to treatment (frequent visits to doctors, clinics, long waiting times in waiting rooms)
  • disturbed rhythm of the day (the hospital is open around the clock; sounds, hum, murmur related to the activity of other people may be disturbing; it may cause a change in habits or impede regeneration and restful sleep)
  • chronic stress and anxiety related to cancer.

How to counteract fatigue?

Sleeping and taking a short nap helps everyone recover, but sometimes we can do more.

It is worth observing the child to find repeated cycles of energy decline and situations that positively affect his well-being.

You should take care that the diet is balanced and high in protein. As a rule, children are used to the tastes from their mother's or grandma's kitchen. Hospitals, unfortunately, do not serve meals of high taste, so even if we do not have anyone here to deliver home meals, it is sometimes worth doing something in the hospital kitchenette. Due to the chemotherapy burdening the digestive system, we do not recommend continuous fast food meals, which are not recommended by nutritionists even for healthy people. Meals should also be served more often, but in smaller portions. Walking can be difficult in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, but it is worth encouraging the child to be active that stimulates the digestive system (facilitates defecation).

For medical reasons, during the so-called falls, your doctor may recommend medications or transfusions of blood and blood products to help the body regenerate.

It is also worth encouraging other activities, e.g. participation in school activities or volunteer activities, if possible and at the age of the child. Our friends' colleagues of the Clinic try to make our charges smile as often as possible, so that hospital boredom and separation from home is as little annoying as possible.

We should also remember that you can use the help of a psycho-oncologist who is on the ward. Sometimes a simple conversation can make a lot of difference: it can ease emotions or improve your mood.

All such activities contribute to finding positive moments in the difficulties of treatment. Positive thinking increases the energy level, which positively influences the results of the therapy. Know that the patient's smile is one of the nicest elements of our work.

Think positive - it works, also in cancer!

 

Ad.3

Cancer disrupts the existing internal and external order, putting every person at the same time in the face of experiences that he has never experienced in his life.

The first moment of emotional suffering of the Child and the Family is the fear of being diagnosed with a cancer disease, the fear of recognizing the disease, followed by the fear of starting therapy and the fear of pain.

Hospitalization and usually the length of treatment programs make children and adolescents fear loneliness, separation, night and darkness.

  • medicine against pain and suffering
  • drug against disability, injury, change of appearance
  • fear of losing hair
  • fear of isolation
  • fear of losing contact with the environment, with friends
  • fear of losing contact with family and siblings
  • fear of rejection
  • fear of losing love
  • fear of social stigma and evaluation
  • fear of death
  • drug fear of losing control
  • fear of psychological and physical dependence on others
  • fear of restriction of freedom of movement
  • fear of the new environment
  • fear of lowering the quality of life
  • drug in front of the unknown

According to the recommendations of the Psychosocial Committee, it is beneficial when a seriously ill child is looked after for a long time by the same doctor or a team of doctors. This allows for the creation of an atmosphere of safety, the emergence of an emotional bond between the doctor and the patient and his family, and the maintenance of continuity of medical care. The consequence of the sense of security of patients and their families is their cooperation with the doctor and compliance with his recommendations - so important in the entire treatment process.

We also encourage you to use the advice and talks with a psycho-oncologist, he will help the patient and his family to adapt to the new situation, and skillfully talk about fears and doubts. It will help you understand the treatment, withstand its effects, and help you deal with your emotions.

 

Foundation support

Many foundations support the Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth with their activities. We are grateful for any help it improves the acticities of the Department, and also helps our patients to endure the hard time spent during treatment in the hospital.

Fulfilled Dreams Foundation

 

The Fulfilled Dreams Foundation has been working for children and adolescents suffering from cancer for 15 years.

The Foundation dedicates its help to young patients of five children's oncology centers in Poland, including the IMID Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth.

Since 2002, the Foundation has been active in pediatric oncology departments, introducing smile and joy - so important in the process of cancer treatment. The Foundation accompanies young patients and their families from the moment of diagnosis, throughout the entire treatment process, and also after its completion, helping them to return to everyday reality.

More about the activities of the Fulfilled Dreams Foundation: www.spelnionemarzenia.org.pl

Herosi Foundation

The Herosi Foundation is a public benefit organization that has been actively helping children with cancer and orphanages since 2009.

The Herosi Foundation is also involved in obtaining funds for the purchase of medical equipment for the Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth  at the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw. Until now, thanks to numerous collections and campaigns carried out by the Foundation, it was possible to purchase medical equipment, including chemotherapy pumps, cardiomonitors, specialized beds, equipment for the rehabilitation of limbs after oncological procedures, pulse oximeters, portable X-ray, X-ray viewing consoles, ALPHASTAR PRO 1132 operating table with accessories and an electrocoagulator - SPECTRUM device, with a total value exceeding PLN 600,000

Volunteers from the Foundation constantly visit charges in the ward, organizing their free time from treatments during treatment and hospital stay.

Famous athletes are very much involved in the activities of Heroes, including volleyball players, ski jumpers, handball players, football players, as well as actors, designers and musicians who take part in meetings with children, fundraisers and photo sessions with the pupils under their care.

More about the activities of the Herosi Foundation: herosi.eu

Foundation for Aid to Children with Cancer

The Foundation for Help for Children with Cancer has been operating since 1991. It runs a Therapeutic Center in Warsaw. In the Foundation building, there are also places to live for families who come to Warsaw to treat children. The Center has a kitchen, laundry room, dining room, playrooms for children, a rehabilitation room - all this so that families torn out of their homes by a child's disease can lead a normal life.

The Foundation also runs many other projects and activities. It organizes holiday camps, rehabilitation camps, conducts educational and training activities, supports oncology clinics by purchasing medical equipment. The employees and volunteers of the Foundation organize art classes for children, birthday parties, and visit patients in the hospital.

More about the Foundation's activities: fundacja.net

 

The Institute of Mother and Child Foundation

The Institute of Mother and Child Foundation (IMCF) aims to act for the protection of patients' health and promotion of preventive medicine for children, adolescents and pregnant women. The IMCF is directly associated with the Institute of Mother and Child and supports its activities. To meet its goals, the IMCF cooperates with the scientific community, organize trainings and lectures, and do other activities for the protection of health of the Polish citizens. In recent years the IMCF participated in various projects co-financed from EU such as EpiSchool, Improve the Youth, Back to School, Promoting Active Travel To School In Europe, and the members of IMCF are coordinating the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in Poland.

 

 

Information

Patients wishing to register for Rapid Cancer Therapy are kindly requested to call:  22 32 77 050

Please bring copies of the results of your imaging tests for the visit.

Below you will find organizational information about the activities of the Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth

Patients wishing to register for Rapid Cancer Therapy are kindly requested to call:  22 32 77 050

Please bring copies of the results of your imaging tests for the visit.

Head of Department
Professor Anna Raciborska
22 32 77 205
klinika.onkologii@imid.med.pl
Building B, 1st floor

 

 

Vice Head
lek. Iwona Malesza

 

 

 

 

Vice Head
lek. Tomasz Koziński

 

mozdzonek-monika

Coordinating nurse

Monika Możdżonek
22 32 77 114