About the Very Rare Malignant Tumors Program

The Very Rare Malignant Tumors Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is a highly collaborative program that draws on the expertise of many types of specialists in pediatrics, such as radiation oncologists, orthopaedic surgeons, geneticists and dermatologists, as well as oncologists from at the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania who treat adult patients. Our team aims to advance the care of patients with these tumors by using cancer genomics to identify targetable mutations.

Psychosocial Support

Families with children diagnosed with very rare tumors can feel alone and at a loss for where to turn. Families seen by the Very Rare Malignant Tumors Program receive support from social workers and psychologists to help them navigate territory that can sometimes be uncharted.

Our Research

It has been historically difficult to understand treatment for very rare malignant tumors in children because there have not been large clinical trials of different treatment options. Our program is determined to change that. Our team conducts early-phase clinical trials of new treatments for children with difficult-to-treat cancers, with a particular area of focus that includes molecularly targeted therapies that are designed to block specific genetic mutations identified in patients' tumors. We also study immunotherapy, which has revolutionized the care of many of these cancers in adult patients.

Contact us

For more information, call us at 267-426-0762, email us at raretumors@chop.edu, or fill out our online contact us form.