Histiocytosis Program

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Why Choose Care for Histiocytosis At Monroe Carell

The Histiocytosis Program at Monroe Carell and Vanderbilt University Hospital offers comprehensive diagnostic, consultative and therapeutic services for children with histiocytic disorders. These disorders can affect any part of the body. They include Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH; also known as eosinophilic granuloma or histiocytosis X), hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD; also known as sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy), juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) and other less common histiocytic disorders.

Monroe Carell provides consultations for patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent histiocytosis. We also offer individualized treatment plans for patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent histiocytosis, and we participate in international clinical trials conducted by the Histiocyte Society.

Conditions We Treat

We treat all conditions related to pediatric histiocytosis, including:

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG)
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH)
Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD)

Meet Your Care Team

Debra L. FriedmanMD, MS

Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology,

General Hematology and Oncology,

Leukemia and Lymphoma,

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology,

Solid Organ Malignancies

Why Choose Care for Histiocytosis At Monroe Carell

Recognized care
U.S. News & World Report has ranked Monroe Carell as one of the best pediatric cancer programs in the nation.
NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
We partner with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Tennessee that treats pediatric and adult patients in one location. This means we are closely connected to research programs and specialists working to discover the latest breakthroughs in cancer care. Your child and family have access to treatments and therapies on the leading edge of discovery.
Collaborative care
Our experts in pediatric cancer work with specialists in many other fields including hematology-oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, nursing, child life, social work, psychology, nutrition and physical therapy. The result is a treatment plan tailored for your child’s needs. Our physicians collaborate with experts around the nation through the Children’s Oncology Group and the Histiocyte Society to bring the latest treatments and clinical trial options.
Care designed with children in mind
Our connection with Monroe Carell's Palliative Care Services demonstrates our commitment to the whole child. These compassionate experts provide help and support to all children living with cancer, at every stage of the care experience. We also work with Teen Cancer America, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Consortium of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Centers (CAYACC). Together we discover and learn more to improve outcomes for teens and young adults with cancer.
Access to clinical trials
As a leading cancer research center, we have access to the newest technologies and treatments. Our clinical trials at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center provide new and experimental cancer drugs, immunotherapy and personalized medicine therapies. They help us discover better therapies for many patients and learn the best practices for treating difficult cases. Your child’s participation in clinical trials is optional. Search for a clinical trial.
Mental and emotional health resources
We provide unique psychosocial resources to help your child manage the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis. These include our exclusive Behavioral Hematology Oncology Program, with licensed psychologists dedicated to working with and supporting your child's and family's mental and emotional needs.
Post-treatment support
All patients have access to the REACH Survivorship Clinic after completing treatment. We offer a full range of follow-up care designed to meet your child’s physical, emotional and practical needs. You will receive a personalized Cancer Survivorship Care Plan that will be your child’s roadmap for future health and well-being.