7 Years Dedicated to Improving Children’s Quality of Life and Recovery

On February 7, 2019, the unification of all pediatric oncology and hematology departments operating in the Republic of Armenia laid the foundation for the establishment of the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Armenia at Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center. This milestone marked a significant turning point in the development of the field, creating a modern, multidisciplinary system of care aligned with international standards.

Over the years, internationally recognized European and American treatment protocols have been implemented at the Center, making treatment processes more structured and effective. At the same time, international collaborations have significantly expanded. The Center was the first in Armenia to join the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Global Alliance. Today, its partnerships extend to leading clinics in Austria, the United States, Russia, Germany, China, and Lebanon.

Key achievements over the past 7 years include:

The establishment of a national pediatric oncology registry, enabling accurate and systematic data collection on childhood cancer cases in Armenia

The introduction of psychosocial services, providing continuous support to children and their families throughout and after treatment

The launch of the bone marrow transplantation program (2021) significantly improved treatment outcomes

The creation of the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Clinic — the first and only center in Armenia providing long-term, comprehensive, multidisciplinary follow-up care for survivors

The establishment of a Cancer Predisposition Clinic for children with hereditary risk factors and an increased likelihood of developing cancer

The development of a Pediatric Palliative Care Clinic (initiated and funded by City of Smile Charitable Foundation), delivering comprehensive care to children facing life-limiting conditions

It is also important to note that this unification laid the groundwork for the development of pediatric neuro-oncology in Armenia, allowing children to receive treatment locally without traveling abroad.

Approximately 100 new pediatric cancer cases are diagnosed annually in Armenia (around 700 cases over the past 7 years). Thanks to the efforts of the Center and its partner organizations, full recovery has been achieved in 70–75% of cases.

A particularly significant achievement is that patients from abroad now also seek treatment at the Center, including from Guyana, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan.

The overarching mission of Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center is to continuously improve cancer recovery rates — a goal we strive for every day.