Cancer and Blood Disorders Research

At Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, research into causes, treatments, side effects and long-term outcomes is done every day to improve the health and quality of life of children with cancer and blood disorders. Teams of specialists take problems from the bedside and clinic into the laboratory, and return with improved treatment strategies. This process is called translational research, and it's focused on using specific data to provide the most advanced care.

What makes us different?

  • Patient care and research go hand in hand. Our doctors and nurses also are researchers. We're always exploring new ways to provide the best and safest care for children with cancer and blood disorders.

  • Nationally and internationally known specialists. Our team members are doing research and presenting their findings at meetings of nationally and internationally known clinical associations like the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, American Society of Hematologists and the Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses. These experts are paving the way for new treatments and cures for cancer and blood disorders.

  • Recognition for groundbreaking research. Leading organizations like the National Institutes of Health and the federal government recognize the quality of our research and provide important grants so researchers can continue to look for cures.

  • Providing care few others can. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is the only children's hospital in the state, and one of just 21 premier centers in the country, to participate in the Phase I & Pilot Consortium of Children's Oncology Group, a National Cancer Institute-supported clinical trials group. We're partnering with other elite centers to help patients with some of the most difficult-to-cure types of cancer and blood disorders.

  • Training for future experts. We've built a strong fellowship training program because we know how important it is to prepare the next generation of physician-scientists.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are an important part of research and used to determine the most effective and safest treatment. These trials also are standard practice in treating pediatric cancer and blood disorders. According to Children's Oncology Group, 60 percent of patients under age 29 diagnosed with cancer are enrolled in clinical trials, compared to less than 5 percent of adults.

During clinical trials, physician-scientists are working to answer specific questions like:

  • What types of cancer and blood disorders might respond to the treatment?

  • What doses of new drugs are most effective?

  • Which patients can benefit the most from the treatment and drugs?

For more information on participation in phase I clinical trials, please email Phase-IOnc@mcw.edu.  

Research partnerships

Collaboration between organizations ensures that resources are available to provide the best outcomes for each child's care. Our partners include: