Research and Clinical Trials at Siteman Kids

Clinical trials for pediatric oncology patients offer new, cutting-edge care that is not offered as part of standard of care at this time. For children especially, participating in clinical trials is more common practice than participation for adults.  

Patients at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital have access to clinical trials that are taking place at multiple cancer centers across the country. Additionally, many of the WashU Medicine physicians caring for our pediatric oncology patients are also physician scientists who are creating and leading these trials nationwide and exclusively at Siteman Kids and at Siteman Cancer Center. These physician researchers lead both clinical trials and research studies to advance our understanding of how pediatric cancers are impacting young children’s biology to find specific cures. This dedication to research and the close collaborative relationship with WashU Medicine benefits Siteman Kids patients.

Our patients have access to:

What is a pediatric clinical trial and why are they important?

A clinical trial for pediatric patients is a research study specifically made for kids. All clinical trials have been reviewed and approved before being opened to patients. A clinical trial has a specific focus and is set up to research effectiveness new drugs, treatments, or procedures.  

Clinical trials are often the best way for pediatric patients to have access to new, promising, cutting-edge treatments that may help cure their specific disease. Because trials are in the research stage still, getting this care is only open to those children who are in a trial. It is common for pediatric cancer patients to be in at least one clinical trial during their care. This is because a trial opens up more care options in ways that standard treatments do not. Physicians at Siteman Kids make specific recommendations to parents if they feel a trial is a good fit for their child. 

Because of the research done during clinical trials, children are beating cancer at higher numbers than they even just five years ago. And breakthroughs and discoveries continue through this approach to treatment. 

What are some common terms used around clinical trials?

Your care team may use unfamiliar terminology when discussing clinical trials.   

Some new terms you could hear include:
  • Enroll/ Enrolled– a child who is being included in the research is said to be “enrolled” in the trial 
  • Participant– a participant in a clinical trial is a child who is now a part of the research 
  • Phase- There are a few different stages in clinical trials. These indicate how close the study has come to becoming available to all cancer patients. Each phase, or stage, has a specific purpose and focus 
    • Phase 1– the first phase of a clinical trial investigates the safety of a medicine or procedure as well as dosages. It involves a very small group of patients.  
    • Phase 2– the second phase of a clinical trial studies the side effects the intervention can cause. A larger number of patients are able to be part of this stage.  
    • Phase 3– the third phase of a clinical trial is a comparison study of the standard treatment used with cancer patients and the new intervention. 
    • Phase 4- the fourth phase of a clinical trial offers participants a proven treatment. At this point in the study patients are monitored over a long period of time.  
    • Early Phase clinical trials –this term is used to group the first stages of research: Phases 1 and 2. These trials include very few participants. 
    • Late Phase clinical trial – this term describes the research included in Phases 3 and 4. Trials at this stage involve many participants and indicates the medicine or procedure being investigated has been proven to work and may become widely part of “standard of care.” 
  • Standard of care– The “standard of care” refers to the approaches that physicians use widely for a given disease or condition. These medicines and treatments have already completed all phases of clinical trials, and now they are considered “best practice” to use in patient care. The benefits to using the standards of care interventions have been scientifically proven over time.  

 

 

How can I find a clinical trial for my child?   

You know your child best, and you are their best advocate. If your child has been diagnosed with cancer and you want to explore clinical trials, you can ask your physician about studies that may be helpful. 

See open clinical trials.  

How does Siteman Kids approach research?

Siteman Kids is part of a large effort to push research and discovery forward for pediatric patients. The Children’s Discovery Institute (CDI) is a joint effort between St. Louis Children’s Hospital and WashU Medicine. The CID accelerates breakthroughs, ensuring funding and other critical aspects essential for discovery. In addition to supporting Siteman Kids it provides support to The McDonnell Pediatric Cancer Center (MPCC) and other closely related centers all with the goal of supporting children so they can live healthy lives. 

Can I ask for a second opinion about my child’s diagnosis?

Our experts collaborate with other institutions that are seeking their input, and they request second opinions of colleagues at peer institutions as well. You can always request a second opinion when researching how to get your child the best pediatric cancer care. It is your right, and it is a common practice; many programs and hospitals encourage it. Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital makes requesting a second opinion easy. It is important that you feel confident about the care your child is getting and how their treatment is working. If you are getting care elsewhere and are interested in a second opinion from Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, request it here. 

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