Leukemia Program

Who we are

The Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center (DF/CHCC) Leukemia Program is one of the top leukemia treatment centers in the world:

We offer a wide range of treatments for leukemia—including secondary treatment options, like stem cell transplantation, for leukemia that has relapsed or is not responding to treatment.
We are actively engaged in a number of leukemia clinical trials that are leading to new therapies and aiming for eventual leukemia cures.
We regard every child as an individual—never "just a patient"—and we'll work closely with you to find the right leukemia therapy for your child.
We support leukemia patients and their families at every step of the way.

About leukemia

Leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, is the most common childhood cancer.

Read our facts on leukemia.
Read our general cancer facts.

A diagnosis of leukemia is usually unexpected and startling. If your child has recently been diagnosed, we know you are probably overwhelmed by how quickly treatment starts ... but our compassionate, experienced clinicians are here to answer all your questions, and we'll include you in every aspect of the treatment process.

And if your child has relapsed leukemia or leukemia that isn’t responding to treatment, rest assured: We are known as world leaders and pioneers in treating even the most complex cases.

About DF/CHCC

Here at DF/CHCC, your child will be in the care of renowned pediatric oncologists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and internationally recognized pediatric subspecialists from Children’s Hospital Boston.

We offer all the resources of a top pediatric hospital and a top cancer center.

Our expertise

All members of our team—pediatric oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, stem cell transplant physicians and pediatric oncology nurses—have specific expertise in pediatric leukemias. Many are recognized as national leaders in their field.
Experts from every pediatric medical subspecialty, including infectious disease, cardiology and endocrinology, among others, join your child’s care team, as needed.
Our pediatric hematopathologists are nationally recognized for their expertise in diagnosing pediatric leukemias and lymphomas.
We offer innovative leukemia clinical trials for children of all ages and with all forms of pediatric leukemia.
Our clinical team works closely with researchers to quickly develop new treatments based on the latest scientific discoveries.
Our School Liaison and Back to School programs will help your child succeed in school during and after treatment.
We offer a weekly childhood cancer survivorship clinic to help our patients manage effects related to their cancer and treatment.

Did you know? Treatment breakthrough

Sidney Farber, MD, founder of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, reported the first successful remission of childhood leukemia here in 1947.

Did you know? Top cure rates

Our cure rates for children with newly diagnosed Acute Lymphoblasic Leukemia (ALL) are among the best of published reports.

For the past 35 years, we have continually refined our ALL treatment program, so children receive the most effective treatment with the least amount of side effects possible.