Cancer

We are devising new therapies to improve the treatment of children with cancers and blood diseases. Our group participates in major national and international cooperative group trials to test the effectiveness of these procedures.

Research overview

Research into new ways of using chemotherapy to treat cancer is taking place all the time. Currently no single drug or combination of drugs results in the cure of all patients. Cancer doctors (Oncologists) are constantly searching for new drugs and drug combinations to treat disease. A controlled clinical trial is the only reliable way of testing out a new treatment.

There are 3 stages of clinical trials in children's cancer. The earliest stage is called the Phase I Trial and its purpose is to find out about the side effects and the acceptable doses of new treatments. Phase II Trial aims to find out how well the new treatment works. Phase III Trial compares the new treatments with the standard one.

Often several hospitals around the country, as well as around the world, take part in clinical trials for new cancer treatments. The type of treatment a patient receives may be decided at random to avoid unintentional bias in the results of the trial. An Ethics Committee approves the clinical trial before it commences.

Participation in clinical trials enables access to the most up-to-date treatment available. Today's trial therapy may be tomorrow's standard treatment.