Oncology

Image of U.S. News and World Report badge for "Best Children's Hospitals, Cancer, 2024-2025".

Childhood is for playing, learning and growing. But a cancer diagnosis can put these activities on hold. The best care includes tests, treatments and support from experienced pediatric oncologists. That’s what your child receives at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Our pediatric Oncology program is the largest of its kind in the Western United States. Doctors and families have been turning to us for decades for world-class care. Our successful track record with rare and complex cancers helps more children regain their health and move forward with their lives.

Childhood Cancer Care: Why Choose Us

CHLA delivers the highest level of care to children, adolescents and young adults. Teams of experts work together to detect cancers earlier and deliver leading therapies. We carefully consider your child’s unique needs, helping achieve the best possible results. Our complete care approach includes support services that make cancer care a little less stressful for your child and family.

At CHLA, your child benefits from:

  • Expert care: Your child receives services from highly respected pediatric oncologists, many of whom are internationally recognized leaders in their field. Our experience and expertise can help achieve better outcomes for our patients.
  • Innovative treatments: We offer world-class care for all childhood cancers, including rare cancers such as neuroblastoma. Our leadership in research and clinical trials is advancing treatment options for many types of cancer.
  • Pediatric radiation oncology: CHLA is home to one of the nation’s few radiation oncology programs dedicated exclusively to children. Our team combines advanced technologies with child-friendly techniques to deliver safe, effective care.
  • Leading cellular therapy techniques: CHLA is one of the first and largest pediatric CAR T-cell therapy programs in the country. This innovative option makes it possible to heal from cancers that were previously considered untreatable.
  • Patient- and family-based support services: We offer help with practical matters, emotional support and specialized care for our patients of all ages. Learn more about our Survivorship and Supportive Care Program.

Pediatric Oncology Programs

Our commitment to cancer care excellence helps us consistently rank among the nation’s top programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

CHLA is home to comprehensive programs for:

Bone and soft tissue tumors

Our pediatric Sarcoma and Solid Tumor Program is one of the largest in the country. Your child receives care from tumor experts, who treat the cancer and work with experienced orthopedists and therapists to consistently save children’s limbs.

Brain and spinal tumors

The Brain Tumor Center is internationally renowned for successfully treating some of the most complex brain and spinal cord tumors. We use advanced technologies to deliver safe, precise care.  

Cancer in nerve cells (neuroblastoma)

Our Neuroblastoma Program has a long-standing international reputation for care innovation. We are among the few programs offering early access to new therapies for cancers that come back after treatment.

Eye cancer (retinoblastoma)

CHLA’s Retinoblastoma Program delivers exceptional care for this rare cancer affecting children’s eyes. The program blends the expertise of specialists from the Vision Center and the Cancer and Blood Disease Institute.

Leukemia and lymphoma

Our Leukemia and Lymphoma Program is one of the largest on the West Coast. We are a world leader in developing and delivering therapies for difficult-to-treat forms of these diseases.

Pediatric Oncology Treatments

CHLA offers nearly every treatment your child may need in one program. Personalized care plans may include:

  • Chemotherapy and other targeted therapies: We offer the latest cancer-fighting drugs (chemotherapy). We also offer innovative options, such as targeted therapy drugs that destroy specific types of cancer cells. Find out more about chemotherapy.
  • Immunotherapy: These medications help the body’s own immune cells identify and destroy cancer cells. Our doctors are actively researching the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy for pediatric cancers.
  • Radiation oncology: This treatment uses powerful energy to break up cancer cells. CHLA is among the few radiation oncology programs in the nation dedicated to children’s unique needs. Explore our radiation oncology treatments.
  • Transplant and cellular therapy: We replace abnormal blood-making cells with healthy cells. CHLA is the biggest pediatric Transplantation and Cellular Therapy program in Southern California. We are capable of treating the most complicated conditions. Learn more about CAR T-cell therapy.

Research and Clinical Trials for Childhood Cancers

CHLA is a leader in pediatric cancer research, giving your child early access to promising new therapies. We are home to more multicenter clinical trials and prestigious research networks (consortia) than any other pediatric cancer program in the country. Our efforts have led to care breakthroughs that are changing the way doctors worldwide treat complex cancers.

Find out more about our research and clinical trials.

Support for Oncology Patients and Their Families

Our patient- and family-centered, whole-person approach eases the burden of living with childhood cancer.

CHLA offers a broad range of services:

Pediatric Oncology Medical Training Programs

CHLA is training the next generation of pediatric cancer doctors and researchers. We offer advanced medical training through fellowships in transplantation, hematology-oncology, neuro-oncology and more. Get more information about our Medical Training and Education Programs.

Cancer and Blood Disease Care at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

At Children’s Hospital, your child has access to innovative treatments and leading-edge care. Learn more about our Cancer and Blood Disease Institute programs and services.

Contact us

The Cancer and Blood Disease Institute welcomes new patients, referrals and second opinions. Please call us to make an appointment.

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