Children's cancer research and treatment program
Pediatric Oncology Program
Works to create new treatments and reduce both immediate and long-term side effects for children with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P30 center grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11469224 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This program at the University of Pennsylvania brings lab scientists and doctors together to understand the genes and biology that drive childhood cancers and to find precise targets for therapy. They develop and test cell therapies (including CAR T approaches) and other targeted treatments for blood cancers and high‑risk or relapsed solid tumors, aiming to lower the need for allogeneic stem cell transplants. The program runs laboratory studies, early‑phase clinical trials, and uses patient samples to guide personalized treatment choices. As a patient or parent, you could receive care here, be invited to join trials, or donate samples to help tailor therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with leukemia (including acute lymphoblastic leukemia) or with high‑risk or relapsed pediatric solid tumors who can receive care at the Abramson Cancer Center are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without pediatric cancers or whose tumors are not matched to the program's current research priorities may not receive direct benefit from its trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to more effective cures with fewer short- and long-term toxic effects for children with cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related approaches such as CAR T‑cell therapy, pioneered at Penn, have cured some children with refractory leukemia, while many solid‑tumor strategies remain experimental.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grupp, Stephan a. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Grupp, Stephan a.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.