Hematology and Oncology | Research

United States health statistics have documented the magnitude of the morbidity and mortality directly attributable to blood diseases and neoplasms. In childhood, these problems are amplified because the potential loss of life or long-term disability has individual and societal effects over decades. Indeed, malignancy is the leading medical cause of death (second only to accidents) in childhood. Despite the significant advances that have occurred in diagnosis and therapy in pediatric hematology/oncology over the past two to three decades, there remains a great need for continued intensive investigation in this field.

The Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology is part of the Department of Pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine, which has a rich scientific heritage in basic and clinical science investigation. Seventeen Nobel laureates have been associated with the university, and 13 of its faculty members are among the fellows of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences. The School of Medicine historically has placed great emphasis on excellence in the training of investigators in the basic and clinical sciences. Currently, there are several predoctoral and postdoctoral educational programs, such as the M.D./Ph.D. Program, the Masters/M.D. Program, Markey Special Emphasis Pathway, and the Scholars in Medicine Program. In addition, there are 41 training grants in the School of Medicine with two General Clinical Research Centers funded by the NIH. Funding for investigation comes from many sources, including the federal government, corporations, nonprofit agencies (American Cancer Society, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the American Heart Association), private foundations, individual donors and the university itself. The research area within the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology occupies more than 7,500 square feet of space with state-of-the-art physical facilities in the McDonnell Pediatric Research Building.

The basic investigative laboratories include those studying biochemistry and cell and molecular biology. Our laboratories have made major discoveries in the areas of cell growth control, cellular signaling, and cell differentiation and development. Visiting professors from foreign countries (Israel, Japan, Finland) have come to train and work here. Our laboratories serve as training centers for medical and graduate students as well as postdoctoral fellows from around the world. The clinical investigation activities include studies of natural history, prognostic factor, diagnostic evaluation, and therapies for hematologic, oncologic and bone marrow transplant-related diseases.

Our program has a long history of leadership in the fields of pediatric cancer and blood-borne diseases indicative of our national stature in clinical investigation. Once the national headquarters of the Pediatric Oncology Group, our faculty members continue to hold prominent positions on the committees of the pediatric cooperative groups. Our program in sickle cell anemia also continues to maintain its stature at a national and international level, leading national clinical trials advancing the treatment for children with this condition. Clinical programs including bone marrow transplantation, neuro-oncology, late effects of cancer therapy, cancer predisposition syndromes, sickle cell anemia, bone marrow failure and new therapeutic agents not only provide the means of advancing biomedical science, they also bring the latest in medical advances to the St. Louis community, keeping our patients on the cutting-edge of advances in clinical medicine.