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Cancer

Precision Cancer Medicine Program

At UCSF, we believe cancer therapy works best when it's tailored to the patient. Our Pediatric Precision Cancer Medicine Program makes this personalized care possible for children, teens and young adults with any kind of cancer, including cancers that are rare, high-risk or resistant to standard therapies.

Our team uses leading-edge tools, such as the UCSF500 Cancer Gene Panel, to identify the genetic signatures of a patient's disease. These findings can help us diagnose cancers more precisely and allow us to design personalized treatment plans that maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects. We also work alongside other UCSF specialists to make sure all our patients receive care that's comprehensive, top-notch and compassionate.

What's more, our doctors are leaders in national research groups dedicated to childhood cancers, including leukemia, neuroblastoma and pediatric brain tumors. This means our patients can access treatments that are still being tested in clinical trials. We're the only Northern California hospital that's part of the National Cancer Institute's Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trials Network, a small group of top institutions tasked with developing new therapies for cancers affecting kids.

Many of the precision cancer services we provide are not readily available at other hospitals, and some are offered only at UCSF. Yet patients who don't live near the Bay Area can still benefit from our expertise: We work with oncologists throughout the country and world to analyze tumor samples and guide treatments that can be administered by the patient's local care team.

Request appointment

To schedule an appointment with the Pediatric Precision Cancer Medicine Program, please give us a call at (415) 476-3831.

Please note that many insurance plans require a referral from your child's primary care physician before you schedule a visit at UCSF. We ask that you contact your insurance carrier to check if you need an authorization before your appointment. If a referral is required, please ask your child's primary care physician to fax a referral form and any applicable medical records to the UCSF Pediatric Access Center at (415) 353-4485.

Our locations (1)

    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 team

    Special programs

    Pediatric Blood Cancer Program

    The Pediatric Blood Cancer Program offers children comprehensive, world-class treatment for all childhood blood cancers. Learn more.

    Awards & recognition

    • Top 10 in the nation and best in Northern California for cancer care

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • Designated an early phase clinical trials core site by the Children's Oncology Group

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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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.

    Learn more

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    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    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.

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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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    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.

    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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    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.

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    Our research initiatives

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      Clinical Trials at UCSF: Pediatric Cancer

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    Resources for physicians

    Whether you're referring a patient, seeking a second opinion or looking for professional education opportunities, you'll find resources on the UCSF Pediatric Cancer Program's MedConnection hub. We look forward to partnering with you!

    Fetal surgery firsts

    The first open fetal surgery in the world was performed at UCSF in the early 1980s.

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