Pediatric Familial Cancer Clinic

Coordinated Care

Because familial cancer syndromes are extremely rare, it is critical to have a physician who is an expert in these cancers. Our physicians have years of experience treating and researching rare pediatric cancers. We will coordinate your child's care, including care with other specialists throughout the hospital.

At Comer Children's, we take a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. Because people with familial cancer syndromes may have other diseases and conditions (such as endocrine disorders and immune defects), this comprehensive approach is crucial. Our clinic routinely works with experts in pediatric endocrinology, pediatric rheumatology, human genetics, and child and adolescent psychiatry.

Emotional Support

We understand how scary — and frustrating — it is to have cancer in your family. We offer a variety of support services for your whole family, including psychiatrists and social workers who specialize in helping children deal with the stress of cancer.

Our staff realizes a cancer diagnosis can often cause a rush of complicated emotions. Sometimes adult family members may feel helpless or guilty at the thought of having passed on this genetic burden to their children. We can refer these adults to various counseling services.

Cancer Risk Experts

Pediatric oncologist Ami Desai, MD, provides dedicated, compassionate care to children who have been diagnosed with cancer and blood diseases, such as neuroblastoma, sarcoma and leukemia. Dr. Desai has a particular interest in investigating and developing novel treatments for childhood cancers.

Melody Perpich, MS, CGC, is a board-certified genetic counselor in the Pediatric Cancer Risk Program at Comer Children's. She received her graduate degree in genetic counseling from the University of Michigan and specializes in cancer genetics and risk assessment. Her clinical interests include prenatal, pediatric, preimplantation and cancer genetics. She has additional expertise in assisted reproductive technologies and how they are useful for cancer patients at risk of losing reproductive potential after cancer treatments.

With a passion for educating patients and medical professionals about genetics, Melody regularly lectures and conducts workshops at local, regional, and national conferences on various topics, including prenatal genetics, teratogens, genetic counseling and preimplantation genetic diagnosis. She has also written and co-authored several articles and developed education materials for community and professional audiences.

Melody serves as a core faculty member and clinical rotation supervisor for the Genetic Counseling Master's Program at Northwestern University.