St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital- Extending Hope and Care to Adult Patients

Does St. Jude Treat Adults?

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is renowned for its exceptional care for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. However, many adults are curious about whether St. Jude also provides treatment for them. In this article, we will explore the services offered by St. Jude to adult patients and the criteria they use to determine eligibility.

St. Jude’s Mission and Adult Patients

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded in 1962 with the mission of finding cures and saving children with cancer. While the hospital’s primary focus remains on pediatric patients, it has expanded its services to include adults with certain conditions. This expansion reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing comprehensive care to patients of all ages, particularly those with rare and complex diseases.

Eligibility for Adult Treatment at St. Jude

To determine if an adult is eligible for treatment at St. Jude, the hospital considers several factors. These include the patient’s age, the type of disease, and the availability of clinical trials. Adult patients must be at least 18 years old and have a diagnosis of a cancer or other catastrophic disease that aligns with the hospital’s research and treatment protocols.

Services Offered to Adult Patients

St. Jude offers a wide range of services to adult patients, including:

1. Comprehensive medical care: Adult patients receive personalized care from a multidisciplinary team of experts, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists.
2. Clinical trials: St. Jude is a leader in pediatric cancer research, and many of the clinical trials conducted at the hospital are also open to adults.
3. Support services: The hospital provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to both patients and their families, including counseling, chaplaincy services, and financial assistance programs.

Collaboration with Other Institutions

In some cases, St. Jude may collaborate with other institutions to provide comprehensive care for adult patients. This collaboration allows St. Jude to leverage the expertise and resources of other organizations, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

Conclusion

While St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is primarily known for its pediatric care, the hospital does treat adults with certain conditions. By considering the patient’s age, diagnosis, and the availability of clinical trials, St. Jude provides comprehensive care to adult patients in need. If you or a loved one is an adult seeking treatment for a catastrophic disease, it is worth exploring whether St. Jude can be a resource for you.