Transition Oncology Program (TOP)

The end of treatment is an exciting time. It also brings many changes.

You may feel nervous about leaving your child’s care team at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. That is normal. The Transition Oncology Program (TOP) can help you prepare for a smoother transition from treatment to everyday life. 

Our Transition Off Therapy Guide can help you understand what to expect after childhood cancer treatment ends, including: 

• Follow-up care 
• Emotional adjustment 
• Returning to school 
• Finding support for a healthy transition to everyday life 

Services we provide

Childhood cancer survivors have unique health needs. Addressing these needs helps your child get the right care after treatment. 

We also help you plan for your child’s specific needs. We: 

• Assess if your child needs school or job training support 
• Help you find health insurance if needed 
• Connect you with health care services in your community 
• Give you education about your child’s current and future health needs 
• Support your child’s transition to adult health care 

We use this information to make a treatment summary that outlines your child’s: 

• Diagnosis 
• Treatment 
• Follow-up care needs 

This summary helps connect your local health care providers with your care team at St. Jude. 

We can also communicate with your child’s local health care providers. We can explain how your child’s treatment may affect their health in the future. 

Your Transition Oncology Program team

The TOP staff works with your health care providers at St. Jude and at home to help you prepare for what comes next. Team members include:

• Nurse practitioners
• Patient navigators
• Psychologists
• Social workers
• School coordinators
• Transition coordinators

What to expect from the Transition Oncology Program 

You and your child will likely meet with the TOP team before your child’s treatment ends. How often you visit with TOP team members after treatment depends on your child’s specific needs. 

Your child will be seen by the TOP team until they transfer to our program for long-term survivors. This program is called the After Completion of Therapy (ACT) Clinic. They see patients at least 5 years after their diagnosis and who are 2 years past treatment. 

Learn more