Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota

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Masonic Cancer Center of the University of Minnesota

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Pediatric Cancer Patient Care and Clinical Trials

Dr. Neglia with a patient

Dr. Joseph Neglia with a patient.

For more than 70 years, the University of Minnesota has been a leader in the areas of childhood cancers, including cancer research, patient care, and education. Some highlights include:

  • Led research that contributed to the increase in survival rates for childhood cancer from about 10 percent in 1959 to 80 percent today.
  • Performing the world's first successful transplant for immune deficiency and lymphoma. The Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program continues to be a leader in improving transplantation and developing new applications.
  • Rapidly applying the latest research to the treatment of children with cancer. This includes the use of new agents, targeted therapies, monoclonal antibodies and other new surgical and radiotherapy techniques.
  • Identifying and reducing the long-term effects of childhood cancer.

Pediatric, or childhood, cancers are mostly those of the white blood cells (leukemias), brain, bone, the lymphatic system and tumors of the muscles, kidneys and nervous system. Each of these behaves differently, but all are characterized by an uncontrolled multiplication of abnormal cells. The causes of most childhood cancers are not known.

Care Team

Children with cancer rarely are treated by family physicians or pediatricians. A child with cancer must be diagnosed precisely and treated by clinical and laboratory scientists who have expertise in the management of children with cancer. There are several interdisciplinary teams of physicians at the University of Minnesota who are uniquely devoted to cancers that impact children. These teams develop and deliver new approaches and research treatment, prevention, long-term survival, and support.

Clinical Trials

Cancer Information