Pediatric Cancer Clinical Trials

The ways that children experience cancer and respond to treatments are different from adults. Experts at Mays Cancer Center are keenly aware of these differences, and we’re taking bold steps to address them.

About pediatric cancer research and clinical trials

Seeking care at an active pediatric cancer research center such as ours means your child can benefit from care methods that are among the most advanced. Pediatric cancer research brings discoveries that are making care safer and more precise. We are also uncovering techniques to improve children’s quality of life during and after treatment.

When it’s appropriate, we involve eligible patients in these efforts through clinical trials. Participating in clinical trials provides access to innovative treatments and care approaches. We offer some of these options years before they become widely available. Find out more about clinical trials, or view a listing of our cancer clinical trials.

Pediatric cancer research

Cancer care breakthroughs often start in research labs. Physician-scientists from different specialties explore the fine details of cancer cell activity. UT Health San Antonio is home to one of only two institutions in the US dedicated to pediatric cancer research.

Our findings serve as the foundation for novel therapies that are often more effective in young patients. These treatments may also be gentler on growing bodies. Find out more about Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute.

How our clinical trial efforts are advancing cancer care for children

Mays Cancer Center is an active and long-standing partner in respected clinical trial networks. We work with pediatric cancer centers across the country and with the nation’s leading cancer research agencies to advance the field.

Clinical trial networks we participate in include:

• Children’s Oncology Group (COG): This National Cancer Institute (NCI) network is the world’s largest focusing on pediatric cancer research. COG activities include clinical trials for a broad range of cancer treatments, including new classes of medications. Many of our doctors have leadership roles within COG. They work to establish research priorities that centers all over the nation follow.
• Pediatric Oncology Experimental Therapeutics Investigators’ Consortium (POETIC): We are among just 10 centers working to develop new therapies for children and young adults. These efforts give hope to patients for whom traditional therapies are not successful. Research activities build from our established history of cancer drug development through our Institute for Drug Development.
• Texas Pediatric Minority Underserved NCI Community Oncology Research Program (TP MU NCORP): We are leaders in improving clinical trial access in underserved communities. Our bilingual Spanish research coordinators provide family-focused education and support that’s increasing awareness of clinical trial opportunities. We are also pursuing research to learn more about barriers to participation and how to address them.

Improving clinical trial access for adolescents and young adults (AYAs)

Cancer patients between the ages of 15 and 39 (adolescents and young adults, or AYAs) face a unique set of challenges. Depending on their age and diagnosis, they might benefit from pediatric or adult treatments — including clinical trials.

For example, a young adult with a blood cancer that’s more common in children may be eligible for new treatments through a pediatric clinical trial. Our team includes an AYA research nurse navigator who helps patients access the clinical trials for which they are eligible. Read more about our adolescent and young adult cancer program.