Cook Children's Hematology and Oncology Research

When you think of the life you can give by successfully treating a small child or young person who has cancer or a blood disorder, it's easy to understand the importance of pediatric cancer and hematology research.

When we say we really care for kids, we're not just talking about medicines and treatments. When our patients and their families come to us, medical treatment can last months and, in many cases, years. That means they become a part of our team ... and part of our family here at the medical center. They touch our hearts and our lives, and that pushes us even harder to continue to advance the research and technologies available to them.

View some of our latest studies

Total Therapy Study XVII

MIBG In Upfront Clinical Trials

Pediatric MATCH

Vigil + Irinotecan and Temozolomide in Ewing's Sarcoma (VITA)

Active studies

Hematology research studies

  • An Open-label, Multi-center, Phase IV, Rollover Study for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease who have Completed a prior Novartis-Sponsored Crizanlizumab Study

    Primary Investigator: Johnson MD, Clarissa

    IRB ID: 2021-060 (OPEN)

  • ASH Data Hub: A Multi-Center Data Hub of Individuals Living with Hematologic Disease

    Primary Investigator: Johnson MD, Clarissa

    IRB ID: 2022-116 (OPEN)

  • CHAT: A Multi-Institutional Children’s Healthcare Advancements in Thrombosis Registry

    Primary Investigator: Torres MD, Marcela

    IRB ID: 2022-077 (OPEN)

  • Cook Children’s Health Care System Stroke and Thrombosis Registry

    Primary Investigator: Torres MD, Marcela

    IRB ID: 2020-037 (OPEN)

  • Focal Cerebral Arteriopathy Steroid (FOCAS) Trial (Comparative Effectiveness Trial)

    Primary Investigator: Torres MD, Marcela

    IRB ID: 2023-029 (OPEN)

  • Functional Characterization of Children with Chronic Venous Thromboembolic Disease

    Primary Investigator: Torres MD, Marcela

    IRB ID: 2021-065 (OPEN)

  • International Paediatric Stroke Study-Towards the Establishment of Standards of Practice and the Initiation of Multi-Center, Multi-National Clinical Trials for Neonates and Children with Stroke (IPSS)

    Primary Investigator: Torres MD, Marcela

    IRB ID: 2012-008 (OPEN)

  • IPIG 5674-0001 Observational Registry Protocol: The International PNH Interest Group PNH Registry

    Primary Investigator: Beam MD, Donald

    IRB ID: 2022-093 (OPEN)

  • NN7415-4616: Open-label study investigating efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of concizumab prophylaxis in children below 12 years with haemophilia A or B with or without inhibitors

    Primary Investigator: McCavit MD, Timothy

    IRB ID: 2024-012 (OPEN)

  • Observational study of pediatric thrombotic disease: the Throm-PED registry

    Primary Investigator: Torres MD, Marcela

    IRB ID: 2021-085 (OPEN)

  • RBDD-PLG Project; International Retrospective and Prospective Study of Individuals affected with Hypoplasminogenemia

    Primary Investigator: Torres MD, Marcela

    IRB ID: 2019-028 (OPEN)

  • Seizures and Children's Outcomes After Stroke (SCOUTS)

    Primary Investigator: Herring, Rachelle

    IRB ID: 2022-067 (OPEN)

  • The American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network (ATHN) National Web Tracker

    Primary Investigator: Sanders MD, Joann

    IRB ID: 2011-160 (OPEN)

  • X4P-001-110: A Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study of mavorixafor in participants with congenital and acquired primary autoimmune and idiopathic chronic neutropenic disorders who are experiencing recurrent and/or serious infections.

    Primary Investigator: Beam MD, Donald

    IRB ID: 2024-091 (OPEN)

Oncology research studies

  • A COLLABORATIVE PHASE 2 STUDY OF VENETOCLAX IN COMBINATION WITH CONVENTIONAL CHEMOTHERAPY IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA

    Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

    IRB ID: 2024-032 (OPEN)

  • A Phase 1/2 Trial of CBL0137 (NSC# 825802, IND# 155843) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Solid Tumors including CNS Tumors and Lymphoma

    Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo

    IRB ID: 2022-024 (OPEN)

  • A Phase 1/2 Trial of Selinexor (KPT-330) and Radiation Therapy in Newly-Diagnosed Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and High-Grade Glioma (HGG) ACNS1821

    Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo

    IRB ID: 2022-054 (OPEN)

  • A Phase 2 Study of Blinatumomab (NSC# 765986, IND# 125462) in Combination with Nivolumab (NSC # 748726, IND# 125462), a Checkpoint Inhibitor of PD-1, in B-ALL Patients Aged &ge; 1 to < 31 Years Old with First Relapse

    Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

    IRB ID: 2021-006 (OPEN)

  • A PHASE 2 STUDY OF DS-8201A (NSC# 807708, IND# 153036) IN ADOLESCENTS, OR YOUNG ADULTS WITH RECURRENT HER2+ OSTEOSARCOMA

    Primary Investigator: Granger MD, Meaghan

    IRB ID: 2021-086 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ACCRUAL)

  • A Phase 2 Trial of Chemotherapy followed by Response-Based Whole Ventricular & Spinal Canal Irradiation (WVSCI) for Patients with Localized Non-Germinomatous Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumor

    Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo

    IRB ID: 2021-071 (OPEN)

  • A Phase 3 Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Open vs Thoracoscopic Management of Pulmonary Metastases in Patients with Osteosarcoma

    Primary Investigator: Albritton MD, Karen

    IRB ID: 2022-122 (OPEN)

  • A Phase 3 Randomized Trial for Patients with de novo AML Comparing Standard Therapy Including Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin (GO) to CPX-351 with GO, and the Addition of the FLT3 Inhibitor Gilteritinib for Patients with FLT3 Mutations

    Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

    IRB ID: 2020-072 (OPEN)

  • A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin (IND#:133494, NSC#: 772518) for Newly Diagnosed High-Risk B-ALL; Risk-Adapted Post-Induction Therapy for High-Risk B-ALL, Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia, and Disseminated B-LLy

    Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

    IRB ID: 2020-022 (OPEN)

  • A Phase 3 Study of 131I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) or ALK Inhibitor Therapy Added to Intensive Therapy for Children with Newly Diagnosed High-Risk Neuroblastoma (NBL) (IND# 134379)

    Primary Investigator: Granger MD, Meaghan

    IRB ID: 2018-048 (OPEN)

  • A Phase 3 Study of Selumetinib (NSC# 748727, IND# 77782) or Selumetinib in Combination with Vinblastine for non-NF1, non-TSC Patients with Recurrent or Progressive Low-Grade Gliomas (LGGs) Lacking BRAFV600E or IDH1 Mutations

    Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo

    IRB ID: 2021-017 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ACCRUAL)

  • A Randomized Phase 3 Trial of Vinorelbine, Dactinomycin, and Cyclophosphamide (VINO-AC) Plus Maintenance Chemotherapy with Vinorelbine and Oral Cyclophosphamide (VINO-C) vs Vincristine, Dactinomycin and Cyclophosphamide (VAC) plus VINO-CPO Maintenance in Patients with High Risk Rhabdomyosarcoma (HR RMS)

    Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly

    IRB ID: 2021-083 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ACCRUAL)

  • A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF INOTUZUMAB OZOGAMICIN IN PATIENTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME AND ACUTELYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

    Primary Investigator: Pacenta, Holly

    IRB ID: 2023-062 (OPEN)

  • AALL1621, A Phase 2 Study of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin (NSC# 772518, IND#133494) in Children and Young Adults with Relapsed or Refractory CD22+ B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)

    Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

    IRB ID: 2017-049 (OPEN)

  • AALL2121: A Phase 2 study of revumenib (SNDX-5613) in combination with chemotherapy for patients with relapsed or refractory KMT2A-rearranged infant leukemia

    Primary Investigator: Pacenta, Holly

    IRB ID: 2024-114 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ACCRUAL)

  • ACCL1931: A Randomized Trial of Levocarnitine Prophylaxis to Prevent Asparaginase-Associated Hepatotoxicity in Adolescents and Young Adults Receiving Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Therapy

    Primary Investigator: Albritton MD, Karen

    IRB ID: 2023-096 (OPEN)

  • AHOD2131: A Randomized Phase 3 Interim Response Adapted Trial Comparing Standard Therapy with Immuno-oncology Therapy for Children and Adults with Newly Diagnosed Stage I and II Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma

    Primary Investigator: Albritton MD, Karen

    IRB ID: 2023-056 (OPEN)

  • ALTE05N1, Umbrella Long-Term Follow-up Protocol

    Primary Investigator: Beam MD, Donald

    IRB ID: 2010-109 (OPEN)

  • ALTE2131 Triptorelin and Protection of Ovarian Reserve in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer An NCORP Phase 3 Study

    Primary Investigator: Albritton MD, Karen

    IRB ID: 2025-025 (OPEN)

  • ALTE21C1: Assessment of Clonal Hematopoiesis and its Relationship to Cardiovascular Disease in Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors

    Primary Investigator: Beam MD, Donald

    IRB ID: 2023-067 (OPEN)

  • An International Pilot Study of Chemotherapy and Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors with Blinatumomab in Patients with Newly-Diagnosed Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive or ABL-class Philadelphia Chromosome-Like B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

    Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

    IRB ID: COG_AALL2131_Heym 2025-080 (OPEN)

  • An Open Label, Expanded Access Protocol Using 131I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) Therapy in Patients with Refractory Neuroblastoma, Pheochromocytoma, or Paraganglioma (not eligible for approved treatment)

    Primary Investigator: Granger MD, Meaghan

    IRB ID: 2012-026 (OPEN)

  • ANBL2131: A Phase 3 Study of Dinutuximab Added to Intensive Multimodal Therapy for Children with Newly Diagnosed High-Risk Neuroblastoma

    Primary Investigator: Greer MD, Chelsee

    IRB ID: 2024-050 (OPEN)

  • APAL2020SC: Pediatric Acute Leukemia (PedAL) Screening Trial – Developing New Therapies for Relapsed Leukemias

    Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly

    IRB ID: 2024-008 (OPEN)

  • APEC1621SC: NCI-COG Pediatric MATCH (Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice) Screening Protocol

    Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly

    IRB ID: 2017-065 (OPEN)

  • ARAR2221: A Phase 2 Study Using Chemoimmunotherapy with Gemcitabine, Cisplatin and Nivolumab in Newly Diagnosed Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC)

    Primary Investigator: Greer MD, Chelsee

    IRB ID: 2024-071 (OPEN)

  • CAMPFIRE: Children’s and Young Adult Master Protocol for Innovative Pediatric Research

    Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly

    IRB ID: 2020-066 (OPEN)

  • COG_ALTE22C1 (DS-PALS Survivors)_Chronic Health Conditions in Down Syndrome-Associated Acute Leukemia: The Down Syndrome Phenotyping Acute Leukemia Study in Survivors (DS-PALS Survivors)

    Primary Investigator: Beam MD, Donald

    IRB ID: 2024-009 (OPEN)

  • Exploration of Perceived Stress, Sleep, Fatigue, Physical Activity, and Biomarkers in Childhood Brain Tumor Survivors

    Primary Investigator: Bashore NP, Lisa M

    IRB ID: 2018-010 (OPEN)

  • Fort Worth AYA Oncology Coalition Registry Database

    Primary Investigator: Albritton MD, Karen

    IRB ID: 2019-017 (OPEN)

  • H-40889 Clinical Predictors of Treatment-Related Toxicity Among Children Receiving Cancer Therapy

    Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

    IRB ID: 2019-051 (OPEN)

  • Health Effects After Anthracycline and Radiation Therapy (HEART): Dexrazoxane and Prevention of Anthracycline-related Cardiomyopathy

    Primary Investigator: Beam MD, Donald

    IRB ID: 2014-023 (OPEN)

  • Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma: Hematology and Oncology Survey Study (KHHAOS Study)

    Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

    IRB ID: 2021-051 (OPEN)

  • n/a

    Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly

    IRB ID: 2025-046 (OPEN)

  • NANT 2021-01: PHASE II STUDY OF EX-VIVO EXPANDED ALLOGENEIC UNIVERSAL DONOR TGF&beta;i NK CELL INFUSIONS IN COMBINATION WITH TEMOZOLOMIDE, IRINOTECAN, DINUTUXIMAB, AND SARGRAMOSTIM IN PATIENTS WITH RELAPSED OR REFRACTORY NEUROBLASTOMA The STING (Sequential Temozolomide, Irinotecan, NK cells and GD2 mAb) Trial

    Primary Investigator: Greer MD, Chelsee

    IRB ID: 2024-080 (OPEN)

  • National Registry of Pediatric Cancer Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19

    Primary Investigator:

    IRB ID: 2020-034 (OPEN)

  • Phase 3 Accelerated BEP Trial: A randomised phase 3 trial of accelerated versus standard BEP chemotherapy for patients with intermediate and poor-risk metastatic germ cell tumours

    Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly

    IRB ID: 2018-089 (OPEN)

  • Project DANCES (Diversity in Aya caNCEr Survivors)

    Primary Investigator:

    IRB ID: 2024-048 (OPEN)

  • RANDOMIZATION OF CYTARABINE MONOTHERAPY VERSUS STANDARD-OF-CARE VINBLASTINE/PREDNISONE FOR FRONTLINE TREATMENT OF LANGERHANS CELL HISTIOCYTOSIS (TXCH LCH0115)

    Primary Investigator: Ray MD, Anish

    IRB ID: 2019-067 (OPEN)

  • Signatera Efficacy Study

    Primary Investigator:

    IRB ID: Dell Childrens_Signatera Efficacy_Ray (OPEN)

  • SJiMB21, Phase 2 Study of Molecular and Clinical Risk-Directed Therapy for Infants and Young Children with Newly Diagnosed Medulloblastoma

    Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo

    IRB ID: 2023-057 (OPEN)

  • Targeted approach to Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) using MEK inhibitor, Trametinib.

    Primary Investigator: Ray MD, Anish

    IRB ID: 2023-058 (OPEN)

  • Tissue Banking- Collecting and Banking Human Tissue Samples for Future Use

    Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo

    IRB ID: 2020-093 (OPEN)

  • Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Anaplastic Wilms Tumors (DAWT) and Relapsed Favorable Histology Wilms Tumors (FHWT)

    Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly

    IRB ID: 2020-097 (OPEN)

Stem cell transplant research studies

  • 10-CBA, A Multicenter Access and Distribution Protocol for Unlicensed Cryopreserved Cord Blood Units (CBUs) for Transplantation in Pediatric and Adult Patients with Hematologic Malignancies and Other Indications

    Primary Investigator: Eames MD, Gretchen

    IRB ID: 2023-095 (OPEN)

  • Blood Collection for National Marrow Donor Program

    Primary Investigator: Eames MD, Gretchen

    IRB ID: 2019-062 (OPEN)

  • CliniMACS CD34+ T-cell Depletion of a Haploidentical Stem Cell Product as Part of a Treatment Protocol for Patients with Bone Marrow Failure

    Primary Investigator: Howrey MD, Richard P.

    IRB ID: 2018-041 (OPEN)

  • HPC-Cord Blood 6637-01, A multicenter safety study of unlicensed, investigational cryopreserved cord blood units (CBUs) manufactured by the National Cord Blood Program (NCBP) and provided for unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation of pediatric and adult patients

    Primary Investigator: Eames MD, Gretchen

    IRB ID: 2015-077 (OPEN)

  • Managed Access Program (MAP) to provide access to CTL019, for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or large B-cell lymphoma patients with out of specification leukapheresis product and/or manufactured tisagenlecleucel out of specification for commercial release

    Primary Investigator: Pacenta, Holly

    IRB ID: 2020-101 (OPEN)

  • PROTOCOL FOR A RESEARCH DATABASE FOR HEMATOPOIETIC CELL TRANSPLANTATION, OTHER CELLULAR THERAPIES AND MARROW TOXIC INJURIES

    Primary Investigator: Eames MD, Gretchen

    IRB ID: 2019-061 (OPEN)

  • PRWCC_Foresight, Outcomes in Pediatric and Young Adult B-Cell Malignancies After Commercially Available Immunotherapy

    Primary Investigator: Pacenta, Holly

    IRB ID: 2024-059 (OPEN)

ASPHO 2020 poster presentations

Were you looking forward to ASPHO 2020? So were we. Unfortunately, ASPHO 2020 had to be cancelled, but the research goes on. As we look forward to ASPHO 2021, we continue to look ahead toward the development of research that advances and enhances care in pediatric hematology and oncology.

In the meantime, we’re pleased to share our ASPHO 2020 accepted posters.

View here

Listen to our researchers discuss their programs

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Advanced Treatments and Research for Sickle Cell Disease

Dr. Clarissa Johnson, director of the Sickle Cell Program at Cook Children's, talks about advanced treatments and therapies as well as promising new clinical research on the horizon for sickle cell disease. Her extensive knowledge and passion for treating patients with sickle cell disease is the driving force behind bringing relief to hundreds of patients at Cook Children’s.

Listen here

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Targeted Therapy for Pediatric Cancer

Dr. Kelly Vallance discusses how research through Cook Children's Targeted Therapeutics program is opening the door to the most advanced and promising clinical trials available to pediatric cancer patients—leading to higher response rates, less toxicities and more cures.

Listen here

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Advanced Research and Treatments for Hemophilia

Timothy McCavit, M.D., from Cook Children's Bleeding Disorder Program and Hemophilia Treatment Center, discusses our participation in revolutionary clinical research that holds great promise for children and young adults with hemophilia. This new clinical research is currently the best available and in patients on preliminary drug trials, the treatments have been transformative and their quality of life has greatly improved. Listen to learn more about new breakthrough treatments for hemophilia patients.

Listen here

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The Incredible Promise of Total Therapy XVII

Dr. Kenneth Heym Medical Director, Oncology Program, Cook Children's Medical Center, talks about our participation in a new Total Therapy XVII clinical research trial. This important investigational research is currently the best available targeted therapy for ALL and LLy cancers.

Listen here

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BE FAST to recognize the signs of Pediatric Stroke

Cook Children's Stroke and Thrombosis Program co-directors Marcela Torres, M.D., Medical Director, Hematology Program, and Fernando Acosta Jr., M.D., Neurology, talk about the causes of pediatric stroke and the importance of the two specialties collaborating to improve awareness, diagnosis, treatment and risk of recurrence.

Listen here

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Innovations in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Research and Treatments

Sibo Zhao, M.D. Medical Director, Cook Children's Neur-Oncology program, discusses the challenges of pediatric brain and spinal tumors, and the research and clinical trials that are transforming outcomes for pediatric patients, including developmental therapeutics and anti-cancer care.

Listen here

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CAR T-cell therapy

Dr. Holly Pacenta Cook Children’s hematologist/oncologist, Cellular Immunotherapy Program, introduces CAR T-cell therapy, a targeted treatment now available for patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).

Listen here

Stem cell transplant research studies

For many years cancer research and treatment focused on adults, but children have very special needs because their bodies are still growing and changing. What works for adults doesn't always work for kids, sometimes resulting in side effects and secondary conditions later in life. As an active research facility, we are at the forefront of treatments for kids from prenatal through early adulthood. This lets us work closely with each patient and the families to look at the options and advanced care–from genetics to stem cell transplants to targeted therapies–that otherwise might not be available to them.

Working together

Not only do we build relationships with a global network of leading researchers, we also partner with our patients and parents starting on day one of the diagnosis; and it is only in the context of that relationship that we introduce the subject of research. Parents do not want to expose their children to risks, but most of them come to understand the concept of clinical trials. We explain how our clinical research has advanced the field of medicine and how it contributes to our cure rates here, as well as advances in oncology and hematology.

Our approach

logo-COG

The goal of Children's Oncology Group (COG) members is to cure all children and teens with cancer, reduce the short- and long-term complications of cancer treatments, and determine the causes and find ways to prevent childhood cancer. Learn more about the COG and what it means to be a member here.

Although Cook Children's is not a traditional academic center affiliated with a university, we are academic in how we approach research and practice day in and day out. As a key collaborator with the nation's leading pediatric research organizations, our team offers the best available treatments and contributes to the search for a cure.

Cook Children's is a member institution or has received accreditation from several nationally-known cancer and blood disorder organizations for conducting research trials including:

  • Children's Oncology Group (COG).
  • New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT).
  • Therapeutic Advances for Childhood Leukemia (Phase I TACL).
  • Center for International Bone Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR).
  • Clinical Transplant Network (CTN).
  • International Pediatric Stroke Society (IPSS).
  • Regional Hemophilia Treatment Center.
  • National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP).
  • Many national and international patient registries.

We have also collaborated with several recognized research institutions including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital as well as other high-performing regional academic institutions.

Not every cancer or blood disorder requires treatment through a current clinical trial. In fact, there are many cases that we can now treat and even cure with broad scope solutions, but those available treatments exist because of ongoing research. However, there are still many cancers and blood disorders that are rare or challenging for which there are no cures. For the children who are diagnosed with them, research often provides the best chance of recovery. It is for that reason that we are involved in research and our continued pursuit of a cure for each and every child. And we won't stop until we find a way to make childhood carefree and cancer free for all kids, now and in the future.

Clinical trials

Many successful treatments have been made possible by research. The survival rate for childhood cancers has improved, in great part, due to clinical trials. In fact, many young cancer patients receive treatment by participating in clinical trials. In fact, 60 percent of cancer patients under the age of 29 are enrolled in trials.

What is a clinical trial?

Clinical trials are the final step in a long process of research. For many patients with cancer, especially children, they are the first step toward beating their disease. Clinical trials test new ways to find and diagnose cancer, treat cancer, manage symptoms of cancer and side effects from treatment and, ultimately, to prevent cancer.

Who should participate in a clinical trial?

If your child is diagnosed with cancer, clinical trials are an option you should discuss with your doctor. Many people believe that clinical trials are only for patients who are in the final stages of the disease or who aren't responding to treatments. But the truth is, there are clinical trials available for every stage of cancer.

What clinical trials are available?

Our team is currently active in clinical trials through many venues. Cook Children's must meet the guidelines of each group we partner with as well as successfully pass routine audits and site visits to be accepted and maintain privileges. The groups we currently partner with include:

New approaches to neuroblastoma therapy (NANT)

In 2008, Cook Children's was selected to join the New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT) consortium, an organization comprised of just 15 hospitals throughout North America specializing in neuroblastoma research. NANT attempts to advance new therapies by conducting select early-phase clinical trials.

As a NANT site, Cook Children's actively participates in research on neuroblastomas in children. We are part of a very tightly knit group of expert physicians, researchers and investigators from 15 select university and children's hospitals that make up the consortium. Together, we are working continuously to test new therapies for high-risk and relapsed neuroblastoma and to advance neuroblastoma treatment for kids.

Presently, Cook Children's offers clinical trials targeting neuroblastoma cells that are resistant to established chemotherapy and radiation. This research is focused on finding treatments for otherwise hopelessly advanced neuroblastoma.

Participating in a clinical trial

Clinical trials offer patients new approaches to treatment or drugs, as well as the advantage of a therapeutic approach that has been mapped out and reviewed by a team of investigators who specialize in the disease being studied – in this case, neuroblastoma.

Generosity. It helps to cure what ails you

Thanks to the generous support of our donors, and our NANT participation, children like Hayden can now experience their own miracles closer to home, as Cook Children's new cancer center includes an MIBG suite.

I-131 MIBG therapy is still considered a clinical trial. But for children with high-risk recurrent neuroblastoma, it may be the preferred course of treatment. This relatively new treatment enables the medical team to deliver radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy directly to the tumor cells without disturbing any of the body's healthy cells. Currently offered only through research trials, Cook Children's is one of only a dozen or so centers in the country to offer the this therapy for children.

NANT is supported by the National Cancer Institute. If you would like to learn about NANT, and the research that is being done for neuroblastoma patients, visit www.nant.org for more information.

For information on sponsored clinical research trials, collaborative group efforts, quality improvement and investigator-initiated research, please email us at cookchildrensresearch@cookchildrens.org or call 682-885-2103.

The Children's Oncology Group (COG)

The Children's Oncology Group joins together some of very brightest minds from around the world, all intent on understanding the causes of cancer so that we can cure cancer. We are proud to be a recognized COG cancer center ... not only for the research that we do, but for the treatments and cures we bring to the patients and families we treat here at Cook Children's.

Formed in 2000, Children's Oncology Group (COG) is the nation's largest and most established cooperative children's cancer research network for pediatric cancer research. It brings together treatment centers, physicians, laboratory scientists, nurses, psychologists and others working to beat cancer in children, adolescents and young adults. And Cook Children's is proud to be an active member, fighting cancer in kids every day.

Global collaboration

The COG unites more than 8,000 experts in childhood cancer at more than 200 leading children's hospitals, universities, and cancer centers across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe in the fight against childhood cancer. Through this collaborative research, the Children's Oncology Group has improved rates for children's cancer at a pace much faster than any one individual or single institution could accomplish alone.
The Children's Oncology Group research has turned children's cancer from a virtually incurable disease 40 years ago to one with an overall cure rate of 78 percent today.

Comprised of 210 treatment centers in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, COG includes more than 6,500 individual members.

Cook Children's is proud to be an active participant in these many accomplishments because they have a positive effect right here at home. And they help us to fulfill our promise to improve the well-being of every child in our care and our communities – and beyond.

To learn more about COG, visit www.childrensoncologygroup.org.

For information on sponsored clinical research trials, collaborative group efforts, quality improvement and investigator-initiated research, please email us at cookchildrensresearch@cookchildrens.org or call 682-885-2103.

We are here to help.

If your child has been diagnosed, you probably have lots of questions. We can help. If you would like to schedule an appointment, refer a patient or speak to our staff, please call our offices at 682-885-4007.