Why choose Cook Children’s Neuroblastoma Program
When your child is facing a neuroblastoma diagnosis, expert care isn't enough. You also need compassion. At Cook Children's, you'll find both. Our highly regarded team blends a depth of experience with thoughtful services tailored to your child's needs. The path forward might feel uncertain, but you won't go it alone. We walk alongside you, instilling hope while delivering the best available care.
What you can expect
We're home to a comprehensive neuroblastoma program. From diagnosis to long-term follow-up care, you'll have access to advanced treatments, close communication and support that helps you breathe a little easier. This level of care draws families from all over Texas and nearby states. As a leading neuroblastoma program, we offer:
At the heart of your child's care is a highly regarded cancer doctor specializing in treating neuroblastoma. In addition, nurses, pharmacists and other pediatric specialists work together. We all focus on what's best for your child and keep you informed throughout their treatment.
In 2014, we became the first program in Texas to offer I-131 MIBG therapy for neuroblastoma. This treatment targets neuroblastoma cells throughout the body. It opens the door to new possibilities for many children when other treatments haven't worked.
We perform sophisticated testing to look for genetic changes in the cancer. Doing so helps us create a treatment plan tailored to your child's needs. It's one more way we bring targeted and effective options to families facing neuroblastoma. Learn more about our Precision Medicine Program.
We offer support to meet your family's emotional, social and practical needs. Whether you have questions, need a moment to breathe or just someone to talk to, we're here. Discover the many ways we can help you through this journey. Explore family support and resources.
Your specialized care team
- Angela Brentlinger, MSN, RN, CPNP
- Amanda Timmons, Clinic/Team RN,
- Tracey Easley, Program coordinator, RN
- Nadine Gonzalez, Social worker, MSW
- Sari Nesbit-Wright, Research coordiantor, RN
- Micha Koentz, Investigational pharmacy
Advancing neuroblastoma care
Our efforts give your child access to the latest therapies, ongoing treatment and support and a range of services for recurrent neuroblastoma. These advanced options give your child the best chances for good outcomes:
Neuroblastoma research interests at Cook Children's include:
- Using circulating tumor DNA results to guide treatment decisions
- Extending immunotherapy response
- Combining chemotherapy with special immune cells called natural killer cells for more effective treatment
Explore active neuroblastoma research studies:
We participate in prestigious research groups, such as:
- Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR)
- Children's Oncology Group (COG)
- New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT)
- Pediatric Early Phase-Clinical Trial Network (PEP-CTN)
This rare cancer occurs in infants and young children. It begins in tissue outside the brain in special nerve cells called neuroblasts. It often starts in the adrenal glands, just above the kidneys, in the neck, chest or spinal cord.
We remove as much of the tumor as possible. Surgeons use sophisticated techniques to separate the tumor from nearby healthy tissue. We have a dedicated pediatric surgery team led by Dr. Jose Iglesias and Dr. John Uffman who assist in these sophisticated procedures.
Cancer-fighting drugs help shrink tumors. Chemotherapy before surgery makes tumors easier to remove. After surgery, it gets rid of the remaining cells.
This treatment helps your child's immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
I-131 MIBG therapy delivers radiation directly to the cancer.
This treatment uses high-energy rays or particles to stop cancer cells from growing.
Your child may be eligible for additional treatment options through clinical trials. Our cancer specialists take part in promising research studies that give your child access to innovative therapies years before they become widely available.
We check blood samples for genetic material shed by cancer cells.
Some children may benefit from investigational drugs that work on specific cancer cell changes to stop their growth. When necessary, our pharmacists seek expanded access from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use investigational .
Moments of magic
Hope and healing happen every day at Cook Children's.
