Pediatric Cancer Clinical Trials Program
Survival rates for children with cancer have improved greatly in recent decades. Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and stem cell transplantation can cure more three fourths of all pediatric cancer cases.
If your family is facing a decision about cancer treatment, a clinical trial may be right for your child. Clinical trials are not a last resort, but are often part of an overall treatment plan that includes standard therapy. This may be the right choice whether your child's cancer is newly diagnosed, a recurrence or an ongoing problem.
Our Pediatric Cancer Program offers clinical trials for many types of cancer, as well those for teenagers and young adults.
Your child's best interests always come first. Our detailed informed consent process ensures you fully understand the trial. If your child enters a trial, he or she may leave it at any time. No matter what course you choose, your decision will always have our respect and support.
We are active members of the Children’s Oncology Group, the world’s largest organization devoted to conducting clinical trials with child patients. Many of our faculty members hold important leadership roles in COG.
Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial may be right for your family.
Why Choose Pediatric Cancer Clinical Trials Program at Vanderbilt
- Recognized care
U.S. News & World Report has ranked Monroe Carell as one of the best pediatric cancer programs in the nation.
- Collaborative care
Our experts in pediatric cancer work with specialists in many other fields including hematology-oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, nursing, child life, social work, psychology, nutrition and physical therapy. The result is a treatment plan tailored for your child’s needs.
- NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
We partner with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Tennessee that treats pediatric and adult patients in one location. This means we are closely connected to research programs and specialists working to discover the latest breakthroughs in cancer care. Your child and family have access to treatments and therapies on the leading edge of discovery.
- Care designed with children in mind
Our connection with Monroe Carell's Palliative Care Services demonstrates our commitment to the whole child. These compassionate experts provide help and support to all children living with cancer, at every stage of the care experience. We also work with Teen Cancer America, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Consortium of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Centers (CAYACC). Together we discover and learn more to improve outcomes for teens and young adults with cancer.
- Mental and emotional health resources
We provide unique psychosocial resources to help your child manage the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis. These include our exclusive Behavioral Hematology Oncology Program, with licensed psychologists dedicated to working with and supporting your child's and family's mental and emotional needs.
- Post-treatment support
All patients have access to the REACH Survivorship Clinic after completing treatment. We offer a full range of follow-up care designed to meet your child’s physical, emotional and practical needs. You will receive a personalized Cancer Survivorship Care Plan that will be your child’s roadmap for future health and well-being.
Related Programs and Clinics
Clinical trials organizations
We collaborate with many clinical trial organizations to provide research options for our patients, including: