Overview
UW Health Kids Cancer Care specialists provides expert cancer care for children. For most of our patients, that care includes participation in clinical trials.
We develop exciting new trials based on findings we’ve discovered. Some of these are only offered here. We also take part in multi-center trials. These trials test new treatments on children throughout the country.
Clinical trials benefit future patients, but can also offer hope in cases where your child’s cancer has not responded to standard treatments or has returned. No matter the trial, we always prioritize your child’s safety and comfort.
Watch: Clinical trials at UW-Madison and American Family Children’s Hospital
About
Discoveries in medicine are often made through research. Clinical trials are research studies that test promising new treatments to see how effective they are.
New therapies can come with some risk, but we make every effort to minimize that risk. Your child will receive careful follow-up and ongoing medical care throughout the trial.
All participants receive treatment of some sort. We rarely use placebos (harmless, non-effective treatments) in cancer research.
Trials are available for children with all different types and stages of cancer. In most cases, there are specific criteria that participants must meet. These might include having a certain type of cancer, for instance, or a certain treatment history.
Treatment process
Your child’s doctor could refer you to us. You can also learn about the trials we offer through Studyfinder.
You also can learn about some of our trials by watching these videos:
If there’s a trial you would like to learn more about, these are the steps involved:
We can help you learn more about the trials we currently offer. Call us or find a clinical trial:
If there’s a trial your child qualifies for, we invite you to meet with the research team. They will give you more information about the trial, the treatment involved and the potential benefits and risks.
We will work together to decide if a clinical trial is a good option for your child. If you decide to have your child participate, you’ll sign an informed consent agreement.
Our team provides instructions for you and your child. We watch your child’s health closely with checkups and follow-up care through the trial’s completion. You’re free to withdraw your child at any point should you so choose.
Physician resources
We’ve played leadership roles in the design, implementation and analyses of national clinical trials. We can help find trials that could be appropriate for your patients.
To learn more about pediatric oncology clinical trials currently being offered at UW, please visit Clinical trials at UW Health
Our research team at UW Health takes part in many cancer groups, including:
Patient and support services
These resources can help you learn more about clinical trials:
