Oncology

No one ever wants to hear that their child has cancer. But if it happens, you do want to hear that you have one of the leading-edge children's cancer centers nearby–Cook Children's.

Cancer in children, teens and young adults is rare, and some types of childhood cancers are extremely rare. Finding an experienced team that has treated those cancers is literally a life-altering decision.

Cook Children's Oncology Program

The oncology program at Cook Children's is one of only a handful of pediatric cancer programs in the southwest, and one of only four in Texas that are a Children's Oncology Group member institute. In addition, our team of physician-researchers is among the most respected in the country. What that means to you and your child is access to tomorrow's treatments and cures, today.

Our doctors are actively pursuing cures for cancer. Because of our participation in ongoing national research studies, we are able to offer many patients the opportunity to participate in studies, giving them access to the most recent medicines and advanced treatments, including genetics, nuclear medicine, stem cell transplants, and more.

Our cancer center includes stem cell transplant rooms, an inpatient and outpatient infusion center, 28 inpatient beds in private rooms, a dedicated pharmacy, Texas' first and only I-131-MIBG suite for advanced targeted treatment of neuroblastoma tumors.

While our specialty is treating and curing cancer in our patients, we also take extra care of their childhood and teen years so that they can have the support and do not pause their lives as they grow into happy, healthy adults.

Who we treat

The oncology program at Cook Children's is open to any child from infancy through young adulthood who is suspected of having cancer, has been diagnosed with cancer, or who wants a second opinion. Our patients range in age from newborn to early 20s, and sometimes even older if we are one of the only centers close by that treats the type of cancer they have. We see patients from our local area and those in other states in even other countries. And thanks to the support of our community and our social services team, we never turn away a child who needs care simply because they can't afford it.

What we treat

The oncology team at Cook Children's treats all types of cancers and tumors in children, including:

Our specialty care team

Lauren Akers, DO

Hematology and Oncology

4.9 out of 5

60 Ratings

Accepting new patients

682-303-4200

Karen Albritton, MD

Hematology and Oncology

Accepting new patients

682-885-4007

Chelsee Greer, DO

Hematology and Oncology

Accepting new patients

682-885-4007

Kenneth Heym, MD

Hematology and Oncology

4.9 out of 5

66 Ratings

Accepting new patients

682-885-4007

Syed Muntajibuddin, MD

Hematology and Oncology

Accepting new patients

682-885-4007

Holly Pacenta, MD

Hematology/Oncology

682-885-4007

Anish Ray, MD

Hematology and Oncology

Accepting new patients

682-885-4007

Kelly Vallance, MD, MPH

Hematology and Oncology

Accepting new patients

682-885-4007

Additional team members
Lisa Bashore
PhD, RN, CPNP, CPON
Amy Bayles
MSN, RN, CPNP, CPON
Lisa Dalton
MSN, RN, FNP-BC

Active oncology research studies

A Phase 1/2 Trial of CBL0137 (NSC# 825802, IND# 155843) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Solid Tumors including CNS Tumors and Lymphoma

Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo

IRB ID: 2022-024 (OPEN)

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A Phase 1/2 Trial of Selinexor (KPT-330) and Radiation Therapy in Newly-Diagnosed Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and High-Grade Glioma (HGG) - ACNS1821

Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo

IRB ID: 2022-054 (OPEN)

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A Phase 2 Study of Blinatumomab (NSC# 765986, IND# 125462) in Combination with Nivolumab (NSC# 748726, IND# 125462), a Checkpoint Inhibitor of PD-1, in B-ALL Patients Aged >/=1 to <31 Years Old with First Relapse

Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

IRB ID: 2021-006 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ACCRUAL)

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A Phase 2 Study of DS-8201a (NSC#807708, IND#153036) in Adolescents, or Young Adults with Recurrent HER2+ Osteosarcoma

Primary Investigator: Granger MD, Meaghan

IRB ID: 2021-086 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ACCRUAL)

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A Phase 2 Study of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin (NSC# 772518, IND# 133494) in Children and Young Adults with Relapsed or Refractory CD22+ B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)

Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

IRB ID: 2017-049 (OPEN)

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A Phase 2 Trial of Chemotherapy followed by Response-Based Whole Ventricular & Spinal Canal Irradiation (WVSCI) for Patients with Localized Non-Germinomatous Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumor

Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo

IRB ID: 2021-071 (OPEN)

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A Phase 3 Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Open vs Thoracoscopic Management of Pulmonary Metastases in Patients with Osteosarcoma

Primary Investigator: Albritton MD, Karen

IRB ID: 2022-122 (OPEN)

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A Phase 3 Randomized Study of Selumetinib (IND #77782) versus Carboplatin/Vincristine in Newly Diagnosed or Previously Untreated Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) Associated Low-Grade Glioma (LGG))

Primary Investigator: Murray MD, Jeffrey

IRB ID: 2019-075 (OPEN)

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A Phase 3 Randomized Trial for Patients with de novo AML Comparing Standard Therapy Including Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin (GO) to CPX-351 with GO, and the Addition of the FLT3 Inhibitor Gilteritinib for Patients with FLT3 Mutations

Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

IRB ID: 2020-072 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ACCRUAL)

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A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin (IND#:133494, NSC#: 772518) for Newly Diagnosed High-Risk B-ALL; Risk-Adapted Post-Induction Therapy for High-Risk B-ALL, Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia, and Disseminated B-LLy

Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

IRB ID: 2020-022 (OPEN)

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A Phase 3 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Evaluating Memantine (IND# 149832) for Neurocognitive Protection in Children Undergoing Cranial Radiotherapy as Part of Treatment for Primary Central Nervous System Tumors

Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo

IRB ID: 2022-019 (OPEN)

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A Phase 3 Study of Selumetinib or Selumetinib in Combination with Vinblastine for non-NF1, non-TSC Patients with Recurrent or Progressive Low-Grade Gliomas (LGGs) Lacking BRAFV600E or IDH1 Mutations - ACNS1931

Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo

IRB ID: 2021-017 (OPEN)

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A Phase 3 Trial Investigating Blinatumomab (IND# 117467, NSC# 765986) in Combination with Chemotherapy in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Standard Risk or Down syndrome B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) and the Treatment of Patients with Localized B-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (B-LLy)

Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

IRB ID: 2019-059 (OPEN)

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A Phase I Study of Tagraxofusp With or Without Chemotherapy in Pediatric Patients with Relapsed or Refractory CD123 Expressing Hematologic Malignancies

Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

IRB ID: 2023-008 (OPEN)

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A Randomised Phase 3 trial of Accelerated Versus Standard BEP Chemotherapy for Patients with Intermediate and Poor-Risk Metastatic Germ Cell Tumours

Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly

IRB ID: 2018-089 (OPEN)

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A Randomized Phase 3 Trial of Vinorelbine, Dactinomycin, and Cyclophosphamide (VINO-AC) Plus Maintenance Chemotherapy with Vinorelbine and Oral Cyclophosphamide (VINO-CPO) vs Vincristine, Dactinomycin and Cyclophosphamide (VAC) plus VINO-CPO Maintenance in Patients with High Risk Rhabdomyosarcoma (HR-RMS)

Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly

IRB ID: 2021-083 (OPEN)

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A Randomized Trial of Levocarnitine Prophylaxis to Prevent Asparaginase-Associated Hepatotoxicity in Adolescents and Young Adults Receiving Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Therapy

Primary Investigator: Albritton MD, Karen

IRB ID: COG_ACCL1931_Albritton (OPEN)

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A retrospective cohort study of response and survival in pediatric patients with relapsed and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LLy) treated with contemporary salvage therapy

Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

IRB ID: 2021-016 (OPEN)

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A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF INOTUZUMAB OZOGAMICIN IN PATIENTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME AND ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

Primary Investigator: Pacenta, Holly

IRB ID: 2023-062 (OPEN)

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ALTE22C1: Chronic Health Conditions in Down Syndrome-Associated Acute Leukemia: The Down Syndrome Phenotyping Acute Leukemia Study in Survivors (DS-PALS Survivors)

Primary Investigator: Beam MD, Donald

IRB ID: 2024-009 (OPEN)

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AML23: A phase 2 Study of Venetoclax in Combination with Conventional Chemotherapy in Pediatric Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

IRB ID: St. Jude_AML23_Heym (OPEN)

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Assessment of Clonal Hematopoiesis and its Relationship to Cardiovascular Disease in Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors. A COG Groupwide Observational Study.

Primary Investigator: Beam MD, Donald

IRB ID: COG_ALTE21C1_Beam (OPEN)

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CAMPFIRE: Children’s and Young Adult Master Protocol for Innovative Pediatric Research

Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly

IRB ID: 2020-066 (OPEN)

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COG Study ALTE03N1: Key Adverse Events after Childhood Cancer

Primary Investigator: Granger MD, Meaghan

IRB ID: 543 (OPEN)

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COG_AHOD2131_Albritton

Primary Investigator: Albritton MD, Karen

IRB ID: 2023-056 (OPEN)

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Exploration of Perceived Stress, Sleep, Fatigue, and Biomarkers in Childhood Brain Tumor Survivors

Primary Investigator: Bashore NP, Lisa M

IRB ID: 2018-010 (OPEN)

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Fort Worth AYA Oncology Coalition Registry Database

Primary Investigator: Albritton MD, Karen

IRB ID: 2019-017 (OPEN)

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Health Effects after Anthracycline and Radiation Therapy (HEART): Dexrazoxane and Prevention of Anthracycline-related Cardiomyopathy

Primary Investigator: Beam MD, Donald

IRB ID: 2014-023 (OPEN)

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Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma: Hematology and Oncology Survey (KHHAOS) Study

Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

IRB ID: 2021-051 (OPEN)

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Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients Who Have Participated in Children's Oncology Group Studies

Primary Investigator: Beam MD, Donald

IRB ID: 2010-109 (OPEN)

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National Registry of Pediatric Cancer Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19

Primary Investigator:

IRB ID: 2020-034 (OPEN)

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NCI-COG Pediatric MATCH (Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice)- Phase 2 study of Ensartinib in patients with tumors harboring ALK or ROS1 genomic alterations (APEC1621F)

Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly

IRB ID: 2018-003 (OPEN)

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NCI-COG Pediatric MATCH (Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice) Screening Protocol (APEC1621SC)

Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly

IRB ID: 2017-065 (OPEN)

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Pediatric Hepatic Malignancy International Therapeutic Trial (PHITT)

Primary Investigator: Akers DO, Lauren

IRB ID: 2018-066 (TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ACCRUAL)

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PEPN22P1: A Pharmacokinetic Study of VinCRIStine in Infants Dosed According to BSA-Banded Infant Dosing Tables and Older Children Dosed by Traditional BSA Methods

Primary Investigator: Pacenta, Holly

IRB ID: 2022-112 (OPEN)

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Randomization of Cytarabine Monotherapy versus Standard-of-Care Vinblastine/Prednisone for Frontline Treatment of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis

Primary Investigator: Ray MD, Anish

IRB ID: 2019-067 (OPEN)

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Reducing Ethnic Disparities in Acute Leukemia (REDIAL) Consortium Retrospective Chart Review

Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

IRB ID: 2019-051 (OPEN)

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SELCLAX

Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

IRB ID: 2021-056 (OPEN)

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SJiMB21: Phase 2 Study of Molecular and Clinical Risk-Directed Therapy for Infants and Young Children with Newly Diagnosed Medulloblastoma

Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo

IRB ID: St. Jude_SJiMB21_Zhao (OPEN)

Study Information
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Targeted approach to Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) using MEK inhibitor, Trametinib.

Primary Investigator: Ray MD, Anish

IRB ID: CCMC_LCH Targeted therapy_Ray (OPEN)

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Tissue Banking- Collecting and Banking Human Tissue Samples for Future Use

Primary Investigator: Zhao, MD, Sibo

IRB ID: 2020-093 (OPEN)

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Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Anaplastic Wilms Tumors (DAWT) and Relapsed Favorable Histology Wilms Tumors (FHWT)

Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly

IRB ID: 2020-097 (OPEN)

Study Information
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US Selumetinib Registry

Primary Investigator: Vallance MD, Kelly

IRB ID: 2023-026 (OPEN)

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Venetoclax EAP IND 152442

Primary Investigator: Heym MD, Kenneth

IRB ID: 2020-080 (OPEN)

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We are here to help.

If your child has been diagnosed, you probably have lots of questions. We can help. If you would like to schedule an appointment, refer a patient or speak to our staff, please call our offices at 682-885-6152.

Oncology

Cook Children's Oncology Program

Who we treat

What we treat

Our specialty care team

Additional team members

Active oncology research studies

We are here to help.