Solid Tumor Research

Common solid tumors in pediatric patients include neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Wilms tumor, hepatoblastoma and germ cell tumors.

The primary treatment for many solid tumors is surgical removal. Radiation treatment and chemotherapy are often used as well, depending on the type of tumor and its location in the body.

Researchers at the Center for Childhood Cancer Research are using state-of-the-art molecular and cell biological approaches to better understand tumor biology. Their goal is to improve existing treatment regimens and develop new therapies for the treatment of pediatric solid tumors.

The efforts of investigators at the CCCR have resulted in:

  • Optimization of radiation treatment (including proton therapy) and chemotherapy regimens to reduce side effects when treating highly aggressive or inoperable pediatric solid tumors
  • Development of specific tests that can be performed on tumor tissue to aid treatment selection for specific groups of children with solid tumors
  • Discovery and development of targeted cancer therapies (including immunotherapies) to treat pediatric solid tumors
  • Leadership in large scale pediatric clinical trials in conducted in partnership with the Children’s Oncology Group to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of promising new treatments for children with solid tumors