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
MIBG In Upfront Clinical Trials
Vigil + Irinotecan and Temozolomide in Ewing's Sarcoma (VITA)
Active studies
Hematology research studies
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A phase 2, Multicenter, Open-Label Study to Assess Appropriate Dosing and to Evaluate Safety of Crizanlizumab, with or without Hydroxyurea/Hydroxycarbamide, in Sequential, Descending Age Groups of Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease Patients with Vaso-Occlusive Crisis
Primary Investigator: Johnson MD, Clarissa
IRB ID: 2019-024 (OPEN)
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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)
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ATHN Transcends: A Natural History Study of Non-Neoplastic Hematologic Disorders
Primary Investigator: McCavit MD, Timothy
IRB ID: 2021-019 (OPEN)
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Cook Children’s Health Care System Stroke and Thrombosis Registry
Primary Investigator: Torres MD, Marcela
IRB ID: 2020-037 (OPEN)
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Functional Characterization of Children with Chronic Thromboembolic Disease
Primary Investigator: Torres MD, Marcela
IRB ID: 2021-065 (OPEN)
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International Registry for Severe Chronic Neutropenia
Primary Investigator: Beam MD, Donald
IRB ID: 94 (OPEN)
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Observational study of pediatric thrombotic disease: the Throm-PED registry
Primary Investigator: Torres MD, Marcela
IRB ID: IPTN_Throm-PED 2018_Torres (OPEN)
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Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria / IPIG registry study/USA
Primary Investigator: Beam MD, Donald
IRB ID: 2022-093 (OPEN)
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RBDD-PLG Project; International Retrospective and Prospective Study of Individuals affected with Hypoplasminogenemia
Primary Investigator: Torres MD, Marcela
IRB ID: 2019-028 (OPEN)
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Seizures and Children's Outcomes after Stroke
Primary Investigator: Herring, Rachelle
IRB ID: UCSF_SCOUTS_Herring (OPEN)
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Sickle cell Transplant Evaluation of Long term and LAte-effects Registry (STELLAR)
Primary Investigator: Eames MD, Gretchen
IRB ID: 2020-086 (OPEN)
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Stroke Study
Primary Investigator: Torres MD, Marcela
IRB ID: 2023-029 UCSF_FOCAS_Torres (OPEN)
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The American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network (ATHN) National Web Tracker
Primary Investigator: Sanders MD, Joann
IRB ID: 2011-160 (OPEN)
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Towards the Establishment of Standards of Practice and the Inititation of Multi-Center, Multi-National Clinical Trials for Neonates and Children with Stroke
Primary Investigator: Torres MD, Marcela
IRB ID: 2012-008 (OPEN)
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UTSW_ASH RESEARCH_Johnson
Primary Investigator: Johnson MD, Clarissa
IRB ID: ASH _ASH Data Hub_Johnson (OPEN)
Oncology research studies
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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)
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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)
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A Phase 2 Randomized Study of Irinotecan/Temozolomide/Dinutuximab with or without Eflornithine (DFMO) (IND# 141913) in Children with Relapsed, Refractory or Progressive Neuroblastoma
Primary Investigator: Granger MD, Meaghan
IRB ID: 2019-049 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ACCRUAL)
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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 >/=1 to <31 Years Old with First Relapse
Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth
IRB ID: 2021-006 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ACCRUAL)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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A Phase 3 Randomized Study of Selumetinib (IND #77782) versus Carboplatin/Vincristine in Newly Diagnosed or Previously Untreated Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) Associated Low-Grade Glioma (LGG))
Primary Investigator: Murray MD, Jeffrey
IRB ID: 2019-075 (OPEN)
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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 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ACCRUAL)
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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)
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A Phase 3 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Evaluating Memantine (IND# 149832) for Neurocognitive Protection in Children Undergoing Cranial Radiotherapy as Part of Treatment for Primary Central Nervous System Tumors
Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo
IRB ID: 2022-019 (OPEN)
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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)
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A Phase 3 Study of Selumetinib 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 - ACNS1931
Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo
IRB ID: 2021-017 (OPEN)
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A Phase 3 Trial Investigating Blinatumomab (IND# 117467, NSC# 765986) in Combination with Chemotherapy in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Standard Risk or Down syndrome B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) and the Treatment of Patients with Localized B-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (B-LLy)
Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth
IRB ID: 2019-059 (OPEN)
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A Phase I Study of Tagraxofusp With or Without Chemotherapy in Pediatric Patients with Relapsed or Refractory CD123 Expressing Hematologic Malignancies
Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth
IRB ID: 2023-008 (OPEN)
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A Phase I Study with an Expansion Cohort/Randomized Phase II Study of the Combinations of Ipilimumab, Nivolumab and Brentuximab Vedotin in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma
Primary Investigator: Albritton MD, Karen
IRB ID: 2020-087 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ACCRUAL)
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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)
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A Randomized Phase 3 Trial of Vinorelbine, Dactinomycin, and Cyclophosphamide (VINO-AC) Plus Maintenance Chemotherapy with Vinorelbine and Oral Cyclophosphamide (VINO-CPO) 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 (OPEN)
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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: COG_ACCL1931_Albritton (OPEN)
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A retrospective cohort study of response and survival in pediatric patients with relapsed and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LLy) treated with contemporary salvage therapy
Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth
IRB ID: 2021-016 (OPEN)
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A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF INOTUZUMAB OZOGAMICIN IN PATIENTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME AND ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA
Primary Investigator: Pacenta, Holly
IRB ID: 2023-062 (OPEN)
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ALTE22C1: 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)
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An Open-Label, Expanded Access Protocol Using 131-I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (131 I-MIBG) Therapy in Patients with Refractory Neuroblastoma, Pheochromocytoma, or Paraganglioma
Primary Investigator: Granger MD, Meaghan
IRB ID: 2012-026 (OPEN)
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Assessment of Clonal Hematopoiesis and its Relationship to Cardiovascular Disease in Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors. A COG Groupwide Observational Study.
Primary Investigator: Beam MD, Donald
IRB ID: COG_ALTE21C1_Beam (OPEN)
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CAMPFIRE: Children’s and Young Adult Master Protocol for Innovative Pediatric Research
Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly
IRB ID: 2020-066 (OPEN)
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COG Study ALTE03N1: Key Adverse Events after Childhood Cancer
Primary Investigator: Granger MD, Meaghan
IRB ID: 543 (OPEN)
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COG_AHOD2131_Albritton
Primary Investigator: Albritton MD, Karen
IRB ID: 2023-056 (OPEN)
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Exploration of Perceived Stress, Sleep, Fatigue, and Biomarkers in Childhood Brain Tumor Survivors
Primary Investigator: Bashore NP, Lisa M
IRB ID: 2018-010 (OPEN)
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Fort Worth AYA Oncology Coalition Registry Database
Primary Investigator: Albritton MD, Karen
IRB ID: 2019-017 (OPEN)
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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)
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International Phase 3 trial in Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) testing imatinib in combination with two different cytotoxic chemotherapy backbones
Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth
IRB ID: 2017-048 (OPEN)
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Iobenguane I-131 or Crizotinib and Standard Therapy in Treating Younger Patients With Newly-Diagnosed High-Risk Neuroblastoma or Ganglioneuroblastoma
Primary Investigator: Granger MD, Meaghan
IRB ID: 2018-048 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ACCRUAL)
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Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma: Hematology and Oncology Survey (KHHAOS) Study
Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth
IRB ID: 2021-051 (OPEN)
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Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients Who Have Participated in Children's Oncology Group Studies
Primary Investigator: Beam MD, Donald
IRB ID: 2010-109 (OPEN)
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National Registry of Pediatric Cancer Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19
Primary Investigator:
IRB ID: 2020-034 (OPEN)
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NCI-COG Pediatric MATCH (Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice)- Phase 2 study of Ensartinib in patients with tumors harboring ALK or ROS1 genomic alterations (APEC1621F)
Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly
IRB ID: 2018-003 (OPEN)
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NCI-COG Pediatric MATCH (Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice) Screening Protocol (APEC1621SC)
Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly
IRB ID: 2017-065 (OPEN)
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Neuropsychological, Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Outcomes in Children with Cancer (ALTE07C1)
Primary Investigator: Murray MD, Jeffrey
IRB ID: 2009-013 (OPEN)
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ON-TRK: A prOspective Non-interventional study in patients with locally advanced or metastatic TRK fusion cancer treated with larotrectinib.
Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly
IRB ID: 2023-065 (OPEN)
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Pediatric Hepatic Malignancy International Therapeutic Trial (PHITT)
Primary Investigator: Akers DO, Lauren
IRB ID: 2018-066 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ACCRUAL)
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PEPN22P1: A Pharmacokinetic Study of VinCRIStine in Infants Dosed According to BSA-Banded Infant Dosing Tables and Older Children Dosed by Traditional BSA Methods
Primary Investigator: Pacenta, Holly
IRB ID: 2022-112 (OPEN)
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Randomization of Cytarabine Monotherapy versus Standard-of-Care Vinblastine/Prednisone for Frontline Treatment of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Primary Investigator: Ray MD, Anish
IRB ID: 2019-067 (OPEN)
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Reducing Ethnic Disparities in Acute Leukemia (REDIAL) Consortium Retrospective Chart Review
Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth
IRB ID: 2019-051 (OPEN)
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SELCLAX
Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth
IRB ID: 2021-056 (OPEN)
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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: St. Jude_SJiMB21_Zhao (OPEN)
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Targeted approach to Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) using MEK inhibitor, Trametinib.
Primary Investigator: Ray MD, Anish
IRB ID: CCMC_LCH Targeted therapy_Ray (OPEN)
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Tissue Banking- Collecting and Banking Human Tissue Samples for Future Use
Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo
IRB ID: 2020-093 (OPEN)
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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)
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US Selumetinib Registry
Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly
IRB ID: 2023-026 (OPEN)
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Venetoclax EAP IND 152442
Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth
IRB ID: 2020-080 (OPEN)
Stem cell transplant research studies
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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: 2011-191/2023-095 (OPEN)
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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)
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ASCT2031: A Multi-Center, Phase 3, Randomized Trial of Matched Unrelated Donor (MUD) versus HLA-Haploidentical Related (Haplo) Myeloablative Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults (AYA) with Acute Leukemia or Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
Primary Investigator: Howrey MD, Richard P.
IRB ID: 2022-125 (OPEN)
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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)
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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)
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Phase 1/2 Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a Single Dose of Autologous Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats Gene-edited CD34+ Human Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells (EDIT-301) in Subjects with Severe Sickle Cell Disease
Primary Investigator: Eames MD, Gretchen
IRB ID: 2022-023 (OPEN)
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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)
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Protocol for a Research Sample Repository for Hematopoietic Cell Tranplantation, Other Cellular Therapies, and Marrow Toxic Injuries
Primary Investigator: Eames MD, Gretchen
IRB ID: 2019-062 (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.
Listen to our researchers discuss their programs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 hereCAR 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).
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
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)
- Children's Oncology Group (COG)
- Cancer Trials Support Group (CTSU)
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 682-885-6152.