Childhood Leukemia

Zayla Mitsdarffer (shown here with Dr. John Cunningham) had acute lymphoblastic leukemia and was successfully treated with a stem cell transplant. Today, she's healthy and is enjoying school. »Read Zayla's story

Leukemia is the most common form of cancer seen in children, affecting more than 3,000 children in the United States each year. While a diagnosis of this illness seems overwhelming, there is cause to be optimistic. Important scientific breakthroughs in the treatment of leukemia are being made and tested here at the University of Chicago. Our pediatric cancer care team has the extensive experience needed to provide young leukemia patients outstanding clinical care -- offering both the latest investigational therapies as well as established treatments for all types of leukemia.

One Team -- Focused on Your Family

At Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago, our dynamic multidisciplinary team approach brings together years of clinical experience with cutting edge research, providing the best possible care for every child and teen. The team includes:

• Nationally recognized physicians who write the new treatment protocols for this disease, and who have over 100 years of cumulative experience caring for children with leukemia.
• Pathologists, radiation oncologists and radiologists who are national leaders in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for leukemia.
• Nurses who are trained specifically to care for this disease.
• Child life specialists, social workers, psychologists and other care providers who work together tirelessly to care for children with leukemia.

Medical care is provided in a family-centered environment -- focused not only on the child, but also on the parents and siblings dealing with cancer in their family.

Ranked Among the Top Cancer Programs in the Nation

Our pediatric cancer physicians and researchers are members of the world-famous University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, a NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center -- a consortium of select centers leading the nation in cancer research and providing patients with more effective health care. These teams of researchers work collaboratively, across scientific disciplines, to explore and develop innovative ways to fight and cure cancer. Because of our high level of expertise and access to the latest therapies, patients from the Midwest, the nation and around the world come to our cancer program for treatment.

More Information

» About Childhood Leukemia
» Diagnostic & Treatment Services for Childhood Leukemia
» Childhood Leukemia Research
» Our Childhood Leukemia Treatment Team
» Resources & Support