Experimental Therapeutics Program

The Experimental Therapeutics Program at Children’s National

Cancer treatment is an ever-evolving field. With a team of 20 dedicated oncology researchers, we are making great strides toward improving pediatric cancer medication and treatment technology. 

We offer these therapies through clinical trials. In fact, Children’s National offers the only exclusive access to Phase I clinical trials through the Children’s Oncology Group in the Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia area. This includes therapies that are only available in a handful of the country’s top academic medical centers. Learn more about research and clinical trials. 

We specialize in helping children who have not had success with other cancer treatments. This includes children with cancers that are:

• Refractory: The cancer does not respond to therapies as anticipated. This includes cancers that show resistance right away or become resistant over the course of treatment.
• Returning over time (relapsing): The cancer initially responds to therapy (goes away), but comes back after they complete treatment. 

Experimental Pediatric Cancer Treatments: Ensuring Your Child’s Safety

It’s normal to be anxious about your child receiving an experimental therapy. At Children’s National, we take extra steps to ensure your child’s treatment is:

• Safe: We only recommend therapies supported by research. Our experts often lead or participate in this research. This means we have intimate knowledge of how to make your child’s treatment as successful as possible.
• Effective: Our team includes dedicated research nurses whose sole professional focus is caring for children on clinical trials. This ensures your child receives the personalized care they need while also meeting rigorous scientific requirements of the trial they are participating in.
• Family-centered: Our nursing staff and research assistants receive special training to help them conduct trials while tending to the sensitive needs of young patients and their families.