Rare Tumors Program

Our Innovative Approach

The main objective of our research program is to improve the understanding and treatment of rare cancers and develop new ways to treat children with these conditions. We participate in internal research initiatives as well as those directed by the Children’s Oncology Group, an international research collaboration.

Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center is a world leader in opening new avenues of "translational research," bringing laboratory advances to the bedside and doctor's office as quickly as possible. All of our senior medical staff members of the Rare Tumors Program participate in clinical research activities.

Children’s Oncology Group

Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center is the New England Phase I Center of the Children's Oncology Group. If your child has progressive or recurrent tumor, she may be eligible for a number of experimental therapies available through these groups, or through one of our independent clinical investigators.

The Children's Oncology Group is a consortium of cancer treatment centers across the United States, Canada, and other countries, that conduct studies of pediatric cancers. Our participation in the Children’s Oncology Group gives children with rare tumors unparalleled access to the newest clinical trials.

Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, MD, the director of our Rare Tumors Program, is the chair of the Children’s Oncology Group Rare Tumors Committee. We also participate in a retinoblastoma research consortium with other Boston hospitals.

Survivorship and long-term follow-up care

The long-term outcome for children with rare cancerous tumors depends on a variety of factors, including the type of tumor and whether the disease has spread (metastasized) by the time the child is diagnosis. Our research continues to help us understand the causes of cancer so we can develop more targeted, effective therapies.

To assist the many children successfully treated for malignant tumors, we have an established multidisciplinary, long-term follow-up program through our David B. Perini Quality of Life Clinic.

This program helps survivors of all ages address the medical, psychological and social consequences of their diagnosis and subsequent treatments. Childhood cancer survivors of any age are invited to visit our clinic.