Why choose Cook Children's Solid Tumor Program
Solid tumors in children, such as sarcoma and neuroblastoma, don't occur often. But when they happen, you want to know your child is in the best possible hands. At Cook Children's, you'll find experts with vast experience and a strong track record of treating complex conditions. We're leaders in the field and fully focused on helping your child get better.
What you can expect
Solid tumors require treatments tailored to your child's needs. That's why our program is designed to provide just that. We offer all the specialists, tests and treatments they may need for personalized therapies that bring healing. When you choose us for solid tumor care, you'll find:
We know it's not just your child going through this - it's your whole family. That's why we're here to listen and hold space in our hearts for the hard days. Our child life specialists help your child feel more comfortable and less worried during treatment. Social services are also available to navigate emotional and practical challenges. Additional support is available for older patients through our Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program.
Some cancer treatments can affect a child's ability to start a family when they're older. You can count on us to talk through options and offer guidance. While these conversations can be difficult, many families feel comforted knowing they have choices. Explore fertility preservation.
If the cancer comes back after treatment, there's still hope. We use sophisticated genetic testing to look for cell changes (mutations) in the tumor that might respond to other medical options, such as targeted therapy. Learn more about our Precision Medicine Program.
Our active participation in pediatric cancer research gives your child access to new therapies through clinical trials. If eligible, your child may be able to receive innovative treatments years before they become widely available. Get more information about pediatric solid tumor research.
Advancing care for solid tumors in children
We're part of leading research groups, like the Children's Oncology Group (COG), and New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT) and the Pediatric Early Phase - Clinical Trial Network (PEP-CTN). These efforts enable us to offer the newest treatments.
Working with other top hospitals nationwide gives your child access to promising new therapies through clinical trials. We deliver personalized care that reflects the latest science in solid tumor care. Learn more about active solid tumor research.
We also offer a broad range of treatments for solid tumors, including ones that are rare or difficult to treat. Our exceptional care is grounded in years of working closely with families facing similar challenges.
Services we offer
Pediatric cancer doctors (oncologists) specializing in solid tumors guide your child's care. They work with surgeons and others to develop the best plan for your child's diagnosis. Additional providers include:
- Nurse coordinator, who keeps track of the small details of your child's care
- Radiation oncologists, through a partner facility
- Other pediatric specialists, as needed
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Clinical therapists, chaplains and more
By sharing ideas and making decisions together, we provide thoughtful, well-rounded care centered around your family.
This helps us learn more about the specific changes in your child's tumor so we can choose the most effective treatment. We may test the tumor to look for specific mutations. This information helps us choose the most appropriate treatment for your child. In some cases, we may also offer genetic counseling and testing to check for whether your child may face a higher risk of other cancer types (cancer predisposition syndrome). Explore our Genetic Oncology Clinic.
If your child needs surgery, they may receive care from an orthopedic surgeon with training in bone and soft tissue tumors. Get more information about orthopedic oncology. General surgeons also perform some procedures.
We use special procedures for hard-to-treat tumors or those near sensitive areas like the spine. They involve tiny instruments and live imaging to deliver substances that halt tumor growth. Find out more about interventional radiology.
If radiation therapy is necessary, we coordinate with a nearby facility to ensure your child receives the appropriate treatment for their needs. This includes access to proton therapy, a highly targeted form of radiation that targets the tumor while protecting more nearby healthy tissue.