91´óÉñ Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Research
- About Us
- Our Research
- Research Impact
- Grants & Affiliations
Leading the Fight Against Childhood Cancer & Blood DisordersÌý
The 91´óÉñ Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (NCCBD), ranked nationally for cancer care byÌýU.S. News & World Report, transforms pediatric medicine through groundbreaking research. Our vision is clear: A world without the burden of cancer and blood disorders. We integrate advanced laboratory science with innovative clinical trials to develop breakthrough therapies for children with cancer and blood disorders.Ìý
Our research spans three main locations in Delaware and Florida where we treat children in advanced clinical care settings: The Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation Institute Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Wilmington, THE PLAYERS Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Jacksonville, and leading hematology and oncology research activities in Orlando and Pensacola, Fla. With specialized expertise in cancer genomics, stem cell research, and cellular therapy, we’re treating today’s patients and developing tomorrow’s cures.Ìý
As part of prestigious networks like the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), we bring the latest treatments directly to families. We lead advanced programs in leukemia, solid tumors, bone marrow transplantation, and sickle cell disease. We develop new approaches in fertility preservation and psychosocial support.Ìý
Our research ecosystem includes specialized laboratories, multi-state clinical trials, and partnerships with leading institutions worldwide. Every discovery we make helps give kids with cancer and blood disorders the best chance to live healthier, fuller lives.Ìý
Delaware Valley Research
Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation Institute Center in Wilmington
North Florida Research
The PLAYERS Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Jacksonville
Central Florida Research
91´óÉñ Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Orlando
Where Science Meets Hope: By the NumbersÌý
91´óÉñ brings together world-class cancer and blood disorder research and personalized care in an integrated network across states, specialties, and scientific disciplines.Ìý
Top 2
Nationally for Children's Oncology Group (COG) clinical trial enrollmentÌý
5
Specialized laboratories operating within our centerÌý
3
Main research facilities in Delaware and FloridaÌý
#25Ìý
Delaware hospital national ranking for cancer by U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025)Ìý
Our research integrates molecular diagnostics, biobanking, and advanced informatics to accelerate treatment discoveries.Ìý
°Â±ð’r±ð leading cellular and gene therapy researchÌýfor sickle cell disease through state-of-the-art transplant programs.Ìý
Our laboratories lead innovative epigenetic and stem cell research in pediatric cancers.Ìý
We combine clinical trials with psychosocial research, including an innovativeÌývirtual reality educational tool.
91´óÉñ Children's Hospital, Delaware is top ranked for excellence in cancer care and outcomes for kids.
Our Leadership
Corinna Schultz, MDÌý
Interim Chief, The Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation Institute for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Wilmington, Del.Ìý
Anderson Collier, MD
Chief, THE PLAYERS Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Jacksonville, Fla.
Mary Toth, MD
Interim Chief, 91´óÉñ Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Orlando, Fla.Ìý
Join Us
Advancing Care Through Research: Our Focus & Vision
Excellence in pediatric cancer and blood disorder treatment happens where scientific discovery and compassionate care meet. Through coordinated efforts across our three locations, we transform laboratory breakthroughs into life-changing treatments.Ìý
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Focus Areas
We concentrate research efforts in key areas, combining rigorous scientific investigation with practical clinical applications.Ìý
Fighting Cancer at Every Level:ÌýCancer Research & Treatment
Our comprehensive oncology research shapes the standard of care through leadership in recognized networks like NCORP and Children's Oncology Group (COG). Our scientists study cancer cell responses and develop targeted therapies for aggressive leukemias, advancing personalized medicine approaches. By bringing cutting-edge clinical trials to our communities, families can access the latest care close to home.
Beyond initial treatment, we've pioneered specialized cardio-oncology programs to protect heart health during treatment. Our long-term survivorship research helps us understand and address the lasting effects of childhood cancer, ensuring comprehensive care throughout the journey.
Teaching Bodies to Heal:ÌýTransplant & Cellular Therapy
Working with leading networks like the Center for International Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), Pediatric Transplant Clinical Trials Consortium (PTCTC) and others we're developing revolutionary treatments that harness the body's healing power. Our team advances next-generation cellular therapies that enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer, while our bone marrow transplant research focuses on reducing side effects and improving outcomes.
Through innovative gene therapy approaches, we're creating treatment options for previously untreatable conditions. Our collaborative research ensures these advances translate into better long-term results for children everywhere.
Changing Blood Disease Outcomes: Blood Disorders Research
Through our partnerships with North American Pediatric Aplastic Anemia Consortium (NAPAAC), International Children's Oncology Network (ICON) and others, we're advancing treatments for a wide range of blood disorders. Our research spans from developing better treatments for sickle cell disease to improving care for bleeding disorders in our hemophilia treatment center. We use advanced data analysis to better predict and prevent complications in rare conditions and bone marrow failure.
This collaborative approach combines scientific expertise with clinical experience, transforming how we understand and treat these challenging conditions.
Protecting Future Possibilities: Fertility Research
Knowing that cancer and blood disorder treatment can affect reproductive health, we're advancing the science of fertility preservation for young patients. Our research focuses on developing and refining cryopreservation techniques while creating new approaches that maintain treatment effectiveness.
This work is particularly vital in treating conditions like testicular cancer and sickle cell disease, where we fight the disease and protect future reproductive function. Our goal is ensuring that surviving doesn't mean sacrificing the possibility of having children later in life.Ìý
Caring Beyond the Cure: Supportive Research Programs
Excellence in pediatric cancer care requires addressing a child's complete physical, emotional, and developmental needs. Our research studies how nutritional support helps children maintain strength during cancer treatment, while our psychosocial studies focus on enhanced support systems for families throughout their journey.
This comprehensive approach ensures we're caring for the whole child, today and as they grow into the future.
Research Themes
Our research is guided by several core themes:
- Building community investment in quality medical care:ÌýWe bring advanced clinical trials and treatments directly to families, ensuring more children have access to the latest care.
- Conducting efficient, informative research:ÌýWe quickly translate laboratory discoveries into real treatments to help kids today, and advance pediatric medicine tomorrow.
- Advocating for transformative child health care at the national level:ÌýOur research and expertise helps shape national policies and treatment guidelines to improve care for all children.Ìý
- Leading through data-driven insight:ÌýOur comprehensive data management across oncology, bone marrow transplant and hematology programs transforms patient outcomes into better treatments.Ìý
Clinical Trials & Research Studies at 91´óÉñ
Pediatric clinical trials and research studies are important for advancing medical knowledge and improving care for kids around the world. Our researchers lead clinical research to study new drugs, treatments, devices, and techniques. We also contribute to national registries and collaboratives to further research in this area. Find a clinical trial or study now.
Related Research & Clinical Focus
Centers at 91´óÉñ often align with research areas, affiliated labs, and clinical programs to support discovery and care systemwide.
Blood Disorders Research
RESEARCH AREA
We explore blood disorders in children to advance care and outcomes through innovation in diagnostics, treatment, and long-term disease management.
Cancer Research
RESEARCH AREA
Investigators study childhood cancers to improve diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship through discovery science, clinical trials, and systemwide collaboration.
91´óÉñ Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
CLINICAL CARE
Comprehensive care for children delivered by multidisciplinary teams across 91´óÉñ Children’s hospitals and locations in Delaware Valley and Florida.
Pediatric Tumor Research Lab
CENTRAL FLORIDA
We develop new treatments for challenging childhood cancers, including viral therapies that target tumors while sparing healthy cells for better outcomes.
Making a Difference, Every Day
Across all our locations, we work to help patients and families thrive beyond blood disorders, beyond cancer, beyond medicine. Here’s how we make a difference.Ìý
Scientific Publications
Contributions to medical literature:
- Extensive research portfolio with hundreds of peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals includingÌýBlood,ÌýNature,ÌýThe Lancet, andÌýJournal of Clinical Oncology.
- Contributions to landmark research on medulloblastoma subtypes, bone marrow transplantation, sickle cell disease therapies, and cellular immunotherapies.
- Leading investigations in immunotherapy approaches, precision medicine, epigenetics, and innovative treatments for rare pediatric cancers.
Treatment Innovations
Advances in clinical care:
- Development of targeted therapies for pediatric leukemias, solid tumors, and blood disorders.
- Advancement of cellular therapies and gene therapy approaches for previously untreatable conditions.
- Pioneering studies in fertility preservation, psychosocial support, and long-term survivorship care.
- Leading personalized treatments through molecular diagnostics and advanced genomic approaches.
Health Accessibility
Improving access to care:
- Working to eliminate racial and socioeconomic barriers to cancer treatment access and outcomes.
- Development of enhanced support systems for families throughout their care journey.
- Studies on family resilience, patient preferences, and psychosocial needs during treatment.
- Investigation of telehealth, patient portals, and mobile technologies to improve access to care.
Recognition
National acknowledgments:
- Significant funding from the NCI, NIGMS, and other prestigious organizations.
- Leadership of the Delaware Comprehensive Sickle Cell Research Center through COBRE funding.
- Recognition as part of the NCI Community Oncology Research Program network.
- Ranked #25 in the nation byÌýU.S. News & World ReportÌýfor our pediatric cancer program.
Publications
91´óÉñ researchers constantly contribute to advancing scientific understanding. We share our knowledge, insights, and discoveries to encourage collaboration and inspire further research.
Affiliations & Collaborations
Through prestigious grants, collaborative projects, and recognized excellence, we're working toward our vision of a world without the burden of childhood cancer and blood disorders.
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Research Partnerships
We expand our knowledge and leverage diverse perspectives with partnerships and collaborations within and outside our field of study.Ìý
National Research Collaboratives & Consortia
- (COG) — National clinical trials group for pediatric cancer researchÌý
- Ìý— Hematology research networkÌý
- Ìý(ASPHO)Ìý— Professional society advancing pediatric hematology/oncology
- (PIDTC)Ìý— Collaborative research on immune deficienciesÌý
- (NAPAAC)Ìý— Research network for aplastic anemiaÌý
- Pediatric ITP ConsortiumÌý— International collaborative for immune thrombocytopeniaÌý
- (Consortium for the Investigation of Vascular Anomalies)Ìý— Research on vascular anomaliesÌý
- Ìý— National cancer clinical trial and translational research consortium
- (NASCC)Ìý— Partnership to change outcomes for pediatric blood diseaseÌý
Transplant Affiliations
- Ìý(CIBMTR)Ìý— Global collaboration for cellular therapy researchÌý
- Ìý(NMDP)Ìý— Connecting patients with donors for transplants
- Ìý— Knowledge-sharing network for transplant research
- ÌýSickle Cell Transplant Advocacy & Research AllianceÌý— Improving transplant outcomes for sickle cell disease
- Ìý(PTCTC)Ìý— Advancing cellular therapies for pediatric patientsÌý
Blood Disorder Affiliations
- (FWGBD)Ìý— Improving care for women with blood disordersÌý
- Ìý— Coordinating sickle cell researchÌý
- ÌýThe Delaware Comprehensive Sickle Cell Research Center GrantÌý— Advancing sickle cell research and careÌý
Cancer Research Programs & Foundations
- (NCORP)Ìý— Community-based cancer research network
- (LLS)Ìý— Supporting blood cancer research and patients
- Ìý— Fulfilling dreams for chronically ill childrenÌý
- (ICON)Ìý— Global pediatric oncology networkÌý
Academic Partners & Medical Affiliations
- (TJU) — Research collaboration partner (Delaware Valley)
- Ìý(UCF) — Academic research partner (Central Florida)
- , Fort Lauderdale, FLÌý— Regional clinical partner (North Florida)
- , Jacksonville, FLÌý— Regional clinical partner (North Florida)
Grants & Awards
Our research is recognized and validated through generous grants. This support moves us forward and allows us to meaningfully contribute to scientific discovery. Our team has been awarded:
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Grant
Multisite Research Network | Caywood, E. (PI)
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Centers for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) Grant
Sickle Cell DiseaseÌý— Delaware Valley | Brousseau, D. (PI)
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Recognition for Excellence
At the Spring 2025 Children's Oncology Group meeting, 91´óÉñ Children’s Hospital, Delaware was honored as:
Highest Enrolling InstitutionÌýacross all studies in the COG NCORP network
Highest Enrolling Institution for Therapeutic Studies
These national recognitions reflect our team’s commitment to advancing pediatric cancer research and expanding access to clinical trials.