Cancer and Blood Diseases Center

Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center (DF/CHCC) is one of the top pediatric research centers in the world. Our hematology and oncology research program includes laboratory scientists and clinical researchers from both Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children’s Hospital Boston. We investigate conditions from every angle—from examining cells under the microscope to tracking response to current drug regimens—so that we can create better treatments for your child.

Clinical trials, or research studies evaluating new treatment approaches, are a major offering at DF/CHCC. Clinical trials are very important for children with hard-to-treat or relapsed conditions. We offer enrollment on several independent, as well as cooperative, treatment studies, many of which are available only at our center.

• We are the regional Phase I center for the Children’s Oncology Group, which means that we offer unique studies unavailable at other hospitals in New England.
   
• Many of our studies, including our protocol for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), have built the foundation for new and improved cancer therapies. Our leukemia experts have a 35-year history of consecutive clinical trials for ALL, each of which improved upon the previous therapy used. Trials now focus on genetically determined response evaluation and tailored therapy based upon response.
   
• At any time there is an average of 60 unique clinical trials accepting new patients at DF/CHCC, each of which investigates a new way to treat cancer.

To learn more about evaluating, enrolling and participating in a clinical trial, please read our Cancer Clinical Trial FAQs or watch Dana-Farber's informational video, "Entering a Clinical Trial: Is it right for you?"

Frequently asked questions about clinical trials

How are clinical trials categorized?

Find a clinical trial

• To search for a hematology clinical trial, please visit the program and service of interest, or search our online listing.
• To search for an oncology or stem cell transplantation clinical trial, please visit the program and service of interest or our online listing. You may also call 1-888-PEDI-ONC.

Survivorship

Survivors of childhood cancer who were treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation may be at risk of developing problems or side effects later in life.

To help patients monitor their overall health after they’re finished with treatment, we encourage children and adolescents to continue long-term care through Dana-Farber's Stop and Shop Neuro-Oncology Outcomes Clinic for brain tumors and the David B. Perini Jr. Quality of Life Clinic for other cancerous conditions. At these clinics, experts assess childhood cancer survivors of all ages for a wide range of possible side effects and complications of cancer treatment.

For more information about our survivorship clinics, click here.