pediatric cancer
Pediatric oncology trials address cancers that are biologically distinct from their adult counterparts β€” including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (the most common childhood cancer), brain tumors (glioma, medulloblastoma, DIPG), Ewing sarcoma, neuroblastoma, and Wilms tumor. The Children's Oncology Group (COG), funded by the NCI, is the world's largest cooperative pediatric cancer research organization and leads the majority of US clinical trials for patients under 18.
Current trials investigate NTRK, ALK, and ROS1 inhibitors in pediatric solid tumors harboring these fusions, immunotherapy for pediatric solid tumors (where adult response rates have not been replicated), ONC201 for DIPG and H3K27M-mutated diffuse midline gliomas, and CAR-T cell therapies in relapsed/refractory pediatric ALL. The FDA's RACE for Children Act now requires industry sponsors to study therapies in pediatric patients when pediatric relevance exists.
Pediatric cancer trials are conducted at COG-member children's hospitals. Families should contact the COG at childrensoncologygroup.org or their treating pediatric oncologist for enrollment information.