Updates

Immunotherapy Program

<p>Immunotherapy Program</p>

One of the world's premier research and treatment centers

As one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of childhood cancer, Texas Children’s Cancer Center is uniquely poised to use our expertise and resources to develop immune therapies for childhood cancer.

Immunotherapy is an extremely effective and potentially less-toxic treatment for cancer, which is paving the way to revolutionizing how childhood cancer and blood disorders can be treated locally and globally. Within the next ten to fifteen years, it is anticipated that immune therapies will be used in the treatment of the majority of childhood cancers. Our physician-scientists are at the forefront of developing new immunotherapy treatment strategies for patients with childhood cancer.

Our program leaders are internationally-recognized in the areas of new drug development, cell and gene therapy, and immunotherapy. They design and conduct both local and national clinical trials through the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) and other consortia, such as: the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC) and the Therapeutic Advances in Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma (TACL) consortium. We are also a member of the COG Phase I Consortium, a small and select group of institutions that administer Phase I clinical trials of drugs in early development.

Treatment and Evaluation


The Immunotherapy Program conducts numerous clinical trials for children, adolescents and young adults with newly-diagnosed diseases, and for those with recurrent and refractory disease. All patients are considered for eligibility to participate in clinical trials, which are the standard of care for our patients.

Immunotherapy may be used alone or in conjunction with other treatment options, including: chemotherapy, Phase 1 investigational therapies, radiation therapy (both conventional and proton), and bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. Each patient receives individualized treatment according to his or her diagnosis.It is reassuring to parents when they learn that world-renowned experts from multiple specialties and subspecialties sit together in the same room to discuss their child’s case and the best treatment for their child. All major decisions regarding a child’s course of care involve the entire team. It’s like getting second, third and fourth opinions from a diverse set of experts at every critical point.

Research


Research in immunotherapy spans from the direction of clinical trials to molecular studies of cancer biology, immunotherapy and development of novel therapeutic agents, and to mitigating the late effects of treatment in long-term survivors. Learn more about our research in immunotherapy

Ranked #6 in Cancer

Proud to be ranked one of the best children’s cancer centers in the country by U.S. News & World Report for seven consecutive years.

Patient Resources Help every step of the way

We’re dedicated to supporting you and your family throughout your journey, providing a variety of educational resources to inform and empower you along the way.