Research is one of the most important factors in furthering cancer care, especially for children. The Children’s Oncology Group (COG) is the world’s largest research organization devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research, with more than 10,000 experts worldwide, over 200 member institutions, and nearly 100 active clinical-translational trials open at any given time.
Fortunately for Long Beach, the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach is one of the primary institutions that comprises COG. In addition, Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute is one of only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide to have full accreditation through the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.
COG member institutions, such as the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, perform the frontline work of COG’s research mission, by enrolling eligible patients and families who agree to participate in their research. COG studies everything from the molecular basis of disease to survivorship issues that children may have with different types of cancers. The Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute and other COG member institutions also research the critically important challenges that pediatric cancer patients confront, including the effects of disease and therapy on patients. All COG members must maintain the highest standards for treating patients with cancer, following specific defined protocols.
“The partnership we have with COG is very important for our patients,” says Jacqueline Casillas, M.D., pediatric hematologist/oncologist, medical director, Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. “The research that COG conducts benefits children and adolescents with cancer worldwide, and it’s a privilege to contribute to that with the clinical trials that we do here at Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute.”
With COG, the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital enrolls patients on Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, which tests if treatments work and if they are better than what is already available, respectively. Participation in COG advances research and allows Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute to offer the latest and most effective treatment to young patients.
“JJCCI is proud to be known for our comprehensive psychosocial programs and multi-disciplinary care teams,” says Dr. Casillas. “Our care teams are available for patients from the day of admission to their time in the hospital, and even through follow-up treatment in the outpatient setting to best support them through their journeys.”
Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute has more than 50 open studies and enrolls more than 75 percent of their patients in clinical trials, which mainly study leukemia, brain tumors, and bone tumors. Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute improves outcomes, prevents complications, and enhances the quality of life for children with cancer and serious blood disorders by integrating new clinical research efforts into treatment plans that allow patients access to leading therapies.
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