Children's Oncology Group

Children's Oncology Group logo

Children's Oncology Group (COG) is a leading pediatric cancer research organization that focuses on improving the outcomes for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. COG conducts clinical trials and research studies to investigate better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent cancer in children. It is a member of the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) National Clinical Trials Network and plays a critical role in setting the standards for pediatric cancer care.

History

The Children's Oncology Group was formed through the merger of four pediatric oncology clinical trials organizations in 2000. These organizations included the Children's Cancer Group (CCG), the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG), the National Wilms Tumor Study Group (NWTSG), and the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group (IRSG). The merger aimed to consolidate resources, expertise, and research efforts to enhance the development of treatments for children with cancer.

Mission and Goals

The primary mission of the COG is to ensure that every child and adolescent diagnosed with cancer has access to the latest and most effective therapies. The goals of the COG include:

• Conducting national and international clinical trials to test new treatments for pediatric cancers.
• Investigating the biology of pediatric cancers to understand their causes and to identify potential therapeutic targets.
• Improving supportive care and quality of life for children undergoing cancer treatment.
• Enhancing survivorship and long-term outcomes for pediatric cancer survivors.

Research and Clinical Trials

COG's research agenda covers a wide range of pediatric cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, bone tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, and rhabdomyosarcoma, among others. The group designs and conducts clinical trials that range from early-phase studies testing new drugs to large, phase III trials comparing standard treatments with potentially better alternatives. COG also conducts studies focused on cancer prevention, epidemiology, and late effects of cancer treatment.

Membership

Membership in the Children's Oncology Group includes over 200 children's hospitals, university hospitals, and cancer centers in North America and around the world. This extensive network allows COG to enroll large numbers of patients in clinical trials, facilitating the rapid evaluation of new treatments. Members include oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapists, pediatricians, nurse specialists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to pediatric oncology.

Impact

The work of the Children's Oncology Group has significantly contributed to the increase in survival rates for children with cancer. Through its collaborative research efforts, COG has helped to develop treatments that are less toxic, more effective, and more targeted to specific types of cancer. The organization's commitment to research and innovation continues to push the boundaries of pediatric oncology, offering hope to children, adolescents, and their families facing a cancer diagnosis.