Pediatric Cancer

Multidisciplinary Approach to Pediatric Cancer

Cancer, a disease in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, can affect any part of the body. Although cancer in children is uncommon, its impact on patients and families can be profound.

Because of advancements in research and clinical care, the general outlook for patients with pediatric cancer has improved greatly over the past several decades.

U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospital 2023-2024 list ranks our pediatric cancer program No. 15 in the nation. UT Southwestern Pediatric Group’s cancer specialists have deep expertise in pediatric oncology, providing comprehensive care for a range of childhood cancers, including:

• Blood cancers, such as childhood leukemia and pediatric lymphoma
• Brain tumors, such as medulloblastoma and ependymoma
• Neurofibromatosis
• Neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that starts in early nerve cells
• Musculoskeletal tumors  
• Sarcoma, including osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma
• Liver tumors
• Kidney tumors

We offer a full array of the latest diagnostic capabilities and treatment therapies for children with cancer as well as programs that provide comprehensive care for the entire family.

With a large number of pediatric hematologists and oncologists on staff, we care for more than 1,000 new pediatric patients with cancer each year. These numbers make our program the largest childhood cancer and blood disorders treatment center in the region. 

Our emphasis on research allows our providers to participate in groundbreaking clinical protocols and provide innovative care. Our patients have access to clinical trials that often are available at only a few hospitals. We offer the newest treatments for patients with relapsed cancer (cancer that has come back after initial treatment) through our Experimental Therapeutics Program. We also utilize genetic testing, through our Precision Medicine Program, to identify genetic mutations that can be targeted with medications, providing more effective treatment with fewer side effects.

Through our relationship with the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), a National Cancer Institute-supported clinical trials group, and several other clinical trial consortia, we have access to the latest treatments, information, and support from all over the world.  

In pediatrics, it’s common for children with cancer to enroll in cooperative group studies, such as those sponsored by the COG, so that information can be shared across the group. Our involvement with this group and others provides a huge benefit to our patients. For example, we recently joined the Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trial Network (PEP-CTN) as one of only a few institutions within the COG approved for early phase experimental new drug trials.

Compassionate, Skilled Care for Pediatric Cancer

When children need cancer care, parents can put their trust in the experienced doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Our team of pediatric oncologists treats all childhood cancers, even the rarest malignancies. We partner with Children’s Health, located on the same Dallas and Plano campuses, to provide streamlined, convenient care for patients and their families. We use a team approach and work together with surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, physical therapists, psychologists, and social workers to provide integrated, multidisciplinary care.

As the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in North Texas, we deliver the best cancer care available today and push to discover new treatments. NCI designation means we offer patients the ability to participate in the broadest possible range of clinical trials, with access to potential therapies not available at other facilities.

Services We Provide for Pediatric Cancer Patients

Highlights of the care we provide at UT Southwestern and Children’s Health include:

• The largest childhood cancer and blood disorders treatment center in the region, with specialists who see a high volume of complex and rare childhood cancer cases
• Access to the latest treatments, information, and support from all over the world through our relationship with the Children’s Oncology Group and other clinical trials consortia
• A focus on early detection and accurate diagnosis, both of which are key to successful cancer treatment
• Clinical trials that provide eligible patients access to promising new treatments that are not available elsewhere in Texas or surrounding states 
• Support programs that provide comprehensive care for the entire family