Why Choose Us
Advanced Therapies for Treatment-Resistant Cancers
Cincinnati Children’s offers advanced therapies for aggressive and treatment-resistant leukemias and lymphomas. These therapies work with a patient’s own immune system to stop or slow down the cancer, and sometimes lead to a cure. They are typically offered to patients whose cancer is recurrent or relapsed (comes back) or refractory (resists treatment).
One of the most exciting immunotherapies used to treat leukemia and lymphoma is called chimeric antigen receptor (CAR T-cell) therapy. CAR T uses infection-fighting cells (T cells) in a patient’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. Cincinnati Children’s program is one of the most experienced in the U.S. because we were one of the first pediatric hospitals to offer CAR T-cell therapy.
Access to New Treatments Through Innovative Research
Cincinnati Children’s is one of the largest centers in the nation for pediatric and young adult anti-cancer drug research. As a research hospital, Cincinnati Children’s often has access to treatments and services that may not be available at other institutions. Our physicians hold leadership positions within international research groups, such as the Children's Oncology Group, and bring this timely expertise to the care of our patients.
Research from Cincinnati Children’s directly led to the 2020 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the anti-leukemia drug, Vyxeos, for relapse and treatment-refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children. The team continues to expand upon this initial research to find even more curative options for children with AML and other treatment-resistant pediatric blood cancers.
Advanced Imaging Techniques for More Accurate Diagnoses
High-tech imaging techniques include simultaneous diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. This technology helps our cancer specialists provide more detailed, accurate diagnoses and staging information. A PET scan is a nuclear imaging test that can sometimes detect cancerous tissues that other imaging tests cannot.
Advanced Genetic Testing
Patients with a high-risk or relapsed cancer undergo genetic testing. This helps the team identify potential therapeutic targets and match patients with the best available anti-cancer drugs.
Internationally Recognized Bone Marrow Transplant Program
Our bone marrow transplant team has performed more than 2,300 bone marrow transplants. The team helped develop transplant procedures that are now the standard of care in 240+ cancer centers throughout North America.
Cutting-Edge Radiation Therapy
We offer proton therapy, one of the most precise and advanced forms of radiation therapy available in the world today. This specialized technology destroys cancer while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and organs. The Proton Therapy Center at Cincinnati Children’s is one of only a few centers in the U.S. owned by a children’s hospital.
Well-being Support Services for the Whole Family
Our Patient and Family Wellness Center supports the psychosocial needs of our patients and families in order to enhance their quality of life while involved with treatment. Services include social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, psychology, nutrition, school intervention, therapeutic massage, music therapy, art therapy, child life and more—all integrated into your child’s care plan.
Young Adult Cancer Program
Young adults (ages 15-39), who have been diagnosed with a pediatric cancer, have unique needs because they respond differently to cancer therapy than young children and older adults. They also have different physical side effects and emotional needs. Our leukemia and lymphoma team has the expertise to address these unique needs. The team is a part of our nationally recognized Young Adult Cancer Center, which focuses on treating and curing young adults diagnosed with a pediatric cancer.
Highly Ranked and Accredited Programs
Our cancer program is ranked #1 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. We’re also accredited with commendation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. But we don’t stop there. Cincinnati Children's was one of the first pediatric hospitals in the country to provide FDA-approved, CAR T therapy for children. Our program is certified by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy for its high-quality patient care and laboratory performance. In addition, our pediatric cancer rehabilitation program is the first in the world to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
