UT MD Anderson and Texas Children’s Hospital Announce Joint Venture to Advance Pediatric Cancer Care
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children’s Hospital have announced a collaborative initiative focused on pediatric cancer care, bringing together two of the nation’s leading institutions in cancer treatment and pediatric medicine. This partnership, approved by the UT System Board of Regents and the Texas Children’s Board of Trustees, aims to expand treatment access, accelerate clinical trials, and enhance research opportunities with the shared goal of improving outcomes for children diagnosed with cancer.
Scope and Objectives of the Collaboration
The joint effort will establish a comprehensive pediatric cancer center integrating MD Anderson’s expertise in cancer treatment with Texas Children’s Hospital’s leadership in pediatric medicine. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution in cancer treatment, research, and education. As one of the first National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers, MD Anderson consistently ranks among the top cancer hospitals in the U.S.
According to Dr. Peter WT Pisters, president of MD Anderson, this initiative is designed to address the growing demand for high-quality pediatric oncology care and to create the world’s leading pediatric cancer center. “The scope and scale of our combined effort will build the world’s preeminent pediatric cancer center, addressing the growing need for excellent patient care and greatly benefiting children with cancer through increased access to care and to clinical trials,” said Pisters.
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The initiative will officially launch in early 2026, with plans to introduce new facilities designed specifically for pediatric cancer patients and their families. While details regarding locations and expansions have yet to be announced, the focus remains on providing cutting-edge treatment options in a supportive and specialized environment.
Impact on Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research
Texas has one of the fastest-growing pediatric populations in the United States and ranks second in total pediatric cancer cases nationwide. This partnership will significantly increase pediatric cancer clinical trials, facilitating faster discoveries and expanding access to new and innovative cancer treatments.
At Texas Children’s Hospital, more than 4,200 pediatric cancer patients are diagnosed annually, while MD Anderson’s Children’s Cancer Hospital serves over 2,000 young patients each year. By combining their resources, the two institutions aim to enhance their capabilities and offer specialized pediatric oncology care under one comprehensive program.
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Texas Children's Hospital is a nonprofit healthcare organization specializing in pediatric and women's health. Consistently ranked among the top children's hospitals in the nation, Texas Children's provides research, education, and patient care across its network of hospitals and specialty clinics in the Greater Houston area. The hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine.
Dr. Debra F. Sukin, president and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in advancing pediatric cancer care. “This groundbreaking collaboration between two proven leaders in pediatric and cancer care marks the beginning of a new era in the fight against childhood cancer. The combined force of our two iconic programs will be led with the nation’s top talent—from clinicians and researchers to nurses and administrative professionals—each committed to realizing the shared mission of eradicating pediatric cancer.”
In addition to expanding treatment options, the collaboration will feature education and training programs aimed at developing the next generation of pediatric oncology specialists. More than 200 Texas Children’s pediatric oncology specialists and over 100 MD Anderson pediatric clinicians and researchers will participate in advancing patient care, medical education, and clinical research.
Locations Serving the Greater Houston Community
Both MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children’s Hospital operate multiple locations across the Greater Houston area, providing broad access to specialized cancer care. MD Anderson has facilities at its Texas Medical Center main campus, as well as locations in West Houston, League City, and The Woodlands. Texas Children’s Hospital also has a significant presence, with its main campus in the Texas Medical Center, in addition to locations in West Houston and The Woodlands.
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By strengthening their collaboration, MD Anderson and Texas Children’s Hospital aim to set new standards in pediatric cancer care, offering innovative treatments while expanding opportunities for children to participate in groundbreaking clinical trials. As the partnership develops, further details on new facilities and additional programs will be shared, reinforcing Houston’s position as a national leader in cancer treatment and pediatric medicine.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
