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Cancer

Our internationally renowned Pediatric Cancer Program offers the best and latest therapies to treat all types of childhood cancers, including blood, brain, soft tissue and bone cancers. We also have expertise in a wide range of rare tumors.

Childhood cancers are very different from adult cancers, so our program is tailored specifically to children in every way – from the services we offer to support their well-being during treatment to the pediatric expertise of our care providers. Our team of pediatric oncologists (cancer specialists) collaborates with pediatric surgeons, scientists, nurses and technicians to achieve long-term survival and improve quality of life for hundreds of kids with cancer each year.

Many of our doctors are also leading researchers active in developing and evaluating therapies that can save lives and support healthy futures. We provide state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment methods, including giving our patients the option to participate in clinical trials of experimental drugs or other new therapies. Advances already made in the field mean that today many childhood cancers can be cured and the outlook is good for many of our young patients.

What sets us apart

Comprehensive care for kids with cancer

At our cancer center, our providers help families through difficult journeys with compassion, using the most cutting-edge therapies.

Highlights of our cancer care

Leading-edge treatments

We're among the first to offer new treatment options, as soon as they're proven safe and effective. In addition, patients can access promising experimental therapies by participating in one of our many clinical trials.

Precision medicine

High-risk tumors are analyzed with the UCSF500 Cancer Gene Panel, a state-of-the-art test that identifies mutations in the tumor's DNA. The results can indicate the best treatment course and, in some cases, clarify the exact type of cancer.

Seamless care, near and far

Dedicated patient navigators help families with managing referrals, insurance concerns and appointment planning. We work with patients and referring doctors well beyond the San Francisco Bay Area, thanks to our comprehensive telehealth system.

Thorough follow-up

Our Pediatric Survivorship Program provides expert care to address any medical, psychological or social issues that arise after treatment is complete. The team also ensures smooth transitions to adult care providers as our patients leave childhood behind.

Our services (13)

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Blood & Marrow Transplant (BMT) Clinic

Blood & Marrow Transplant (BMT) Clinic

San Francisco / Oakland

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Brain Tumor Program

Brain Tumor Program

San Francisco / Oakland

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Infusion Center

Infusion Center

San Francisco / Oakland / Walnut Creek

Liver Tumor & Hepatoblastoma Clinic

Liver Tumor & Hepatoblastoma Clinic

1825 Fourth St., Sixth Floor, Pod B
San Francisco, CA 94158

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Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) Clinic

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) Clinic

1825 Fourth St., Fifth Floor, 5A
San Francisco, CA 94158

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Oncology Clinic

Oncology Clinic

San Francisco / Oakland / Walnut Creek

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Orthopedic Surgical Oncology Clinic

Orthopedic Surgical Oncology Clinic

1825 Fourth St., Sixth Floor
San Francisco, CA 94158

Pediatric Hereditary Cancer Clinic

Pediatric Hereditary Cancer Clinic

1825 Fourth St., Sixth Floor
San Francisco, CA 94158

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Precision Cancer Medicine Program

Precision Cancer Medicine Program

1825 Fourth St., Sixth Floor
San Francisco, CA 94158

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Radiation Oncology

Radiation Oncology

San Francisco / Berkeley

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Retinoblastoma Program

Retinoblastoma Program

1975 Fourth St.
San Francisco, CA 94158

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Solid Tumor Program

Solid Tumor Program

1825 Fourth St., Sixth Floor
San Francisco, CA 94158

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Survivorship Program

Survivorship Program

Oakland / San Francisco

Special programs

Pediatric Blood Cancer Program

The Pediatric Blood Cancer Program provides care for all childhood blood cancers and gives patients access to cutting-edge treatments available only at select hospitals.

UCSF's Pediatric Cancer Program

Awards & recognition

  • Best in Northern California for cancer care

  • Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties

Research

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    UCSF Children's Cancer Program Clinical Trials

Support services

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Child Life

Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

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Beads of Courage

We help children cope with cancer testing and treatment challenges by awarding colorful beads for each milestone they achieve. Find out about our program.

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Camp Okizu

This overnight summer camp for children with cancer, siblings and families offers fun activities, education sessions and support in a beautiful setting.

Family Amenities

Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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Social Services

Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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Activity Rooms

Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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Art Therapy

Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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Music Therapy Program

Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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School Program

Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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School Re-Entry Program

We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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Individual Playtime & Instruction

If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

Family Resource Center

We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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Parent Support Program

Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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Patient Relations

Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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Spiritual Care

Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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International Services

If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

Staff superheroes

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s a window washer! Dressed as a superhero to clean and brighten your day.

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