We won’t stop until every child is cured

At Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, we take pride in providing kids with cancer access to an unmatched level of expertise and breadth of services that can’t be found anywhere else. Each child has their own unique story and experience, but they all share the same incredible courage and determination. This inspires us every day to keep pushing forward in our mission to fight until every child is cured.

Young cancer patient and provider flexing their arms with the words strength written on a wall behind them.

From Research to Reality: Finding a Cure for Pediatric Neuroblastoma

A boy wearing a knit cap with a pom-pom looks at a monitor while holding the controller for a gaming device. A tube is taped to his cheek. Behind him, a table and chairs sit in front of a wall of cabinets.

A global quest for hope. Read Bryson's story

A man wearing glasses leans over the back of a chair while looking at woman kiss a little girl’s cheek. A window and monitor are visible in the background.

An answer to their prayers. Read Ava's story

A doctor examines a pediatric patient

Sholler’s career leads to neuroblastoma breakthrough

A global destination for pediatric cancer patients

Dr. Giselle Saulnier Sholler, an internationally known physician-scientist, and the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium joined Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health in September 2023. This significant addition has further elevated our world-class cancer program, making it a destination for pediatric cancer patients from all over the world. Families come, in part, because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved eflornithine (DFMO), the first drug to show promising results in reducing the risk of relapse and increasing survival in high-risk pediatric neuroblastoma patients. DFMO is the culmination of 20 years of Sholler’s research, clinical trials and patient care.

Ask the tough questions, challenge the status quo

Families also come because we aren’t afraid to ask the tough questions and challenge the status quo. Our team of pediatric cancer specialists at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and researchers at Penn State College of Medicine are turning groundbreaking discoveries into lifesaving treatments for childhood cancer.

Beyond expanding research into other neuroblastoma treatments, we’re increasing clinical trials for other conditions like sarcomas and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a tumor found in the brainstem. We’re also exploring immunotherapy, cellular therapy and precision medicine to deliver more tailored, optimized care.

Situated on the Hershey campus of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the only premier academic medical center located between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, we’ve created an environment enriched with advanced treatment options, leading-edge research and innovative clinical trials, where patients and their families find hope and healing.

We understand that every child’s journey is unique. Dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care, we ensure they have the best possible chance for a bright and healthy future.

The region’s most comprehensive children’s hospital

Every parent has one wish for their child: to be happy and healthy. When a serious illness threatens that wish, they want access to expert medical treatment, education and support. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation for pediatric cancer care, the Children’s Hospital has been a source of comprehensive, compassionate cancer care for infants, children and adolescents for more than 25 years.

To learn more about our comprehensive pediatric cancer care, visit the Children’s Hospital website or call 717-531-6012 to schedule an appointment.

Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium provides worldwide clinical trials, precision medicine and preclinical research

With the College of Medicine serving as its home, the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium is a worldwide network of more than 55 universities and children’s hospitals focused on saving lives and helping the Children’s Hospital make a lasting difference around the world. The consortium’s international scope ensures that children with cancer have access to a full range of medical services, including more targeted therapies such as precision immunotherapy to fight neuroblastoma, brain tumors, sarcomas and rare cancers, in a more directed way. Find out more.

Four Diamonds partnership puts focus on healing

Four Diamonds champions many efforts, including Penn State’s THONTM, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, and engages tens of thousands of young students across the state through Mini-THON to raise funds to benefit childhood cancer patients at the Children’s Hospital. Since its founding in 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 5,000 pediatric patients and their families in the battle against cancer, ensuring no Four Diamonds child ever receives a bill for their cancer care. Four Diamonds has provided more than $300 million to the Children’s Hospital and College of Medicine to fund excellent care, enhanced wrap-around services, and high-risk/high-reward research in seven research labs all searching for cures to childhood cancer.

Find a Provider

Meet our doctors, view their profiles and select the one that’s right for your child.

Our convenient locations

Penn State Health Children’s Hospital (inpatient/outpatient)
Call: 717-531-6012
Fax referrals and records: 717-531-0332