Clinical Research in Pediatric Cancer: Navigating Ethical, Operational, and Funding Challenges

Course Information

Thomas Alexander, MD, MPH provides early-career clinical researchers with an overview of the unique challenges involved in pediatric cancer research, including recruitment, consent and assent, rare disease limitations, and funding barriers. Participants will explore practical strategies used to advance pediatric oncology clinical trials through collaboration and multidisciplinary research approaches while gaining insight into career pathways in pediatric clinical investigation.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the ethical, operational, and scientific challenges unique to conducting clinical research in pediatric cancer populations, including recruitment, consent/assent, and rare disease limitations.
  • Discuss how funding constraints, small patient populations, and regulatory considerations influence the design and conduct of pediatric oncology clinical trials.
  • Identify strategies and collaborative approaches used to overcome barriers in pediatric cancer research and support successful career development in pediatric clinical investigation.

 

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Please contact us with any questions at [email protected] or (919) 445–1000.

Disclaimer

The views expressed herein are those of the presenter, they do not necessarily reflect the views of the contracted organization, department, School of Medicine, nor the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

 

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 Participation
Course opens: 
06/08/2026
Course expires: 
06/07/2028
Logo for course series, Oncology Clinical Trials: a UNC Lineberger CRTEC course series 

Oncology Clinical Trials Series
Developed by Claire Dees, MD, ScM

The Oncology Clinical Trials series, developed by Claire Dees, MD, ScM, provides an introduction to clinical research in oncology, with a focus on the design and conduct of clinical trials. Topics include trial design, implementation, regulatory and ethical considerations, data management, and common challenges in oncology research.

The series also introduces complementary areas such as biomarkers, correlative studies, and other approaches that support therapeutic trials, along with considerations for career development in clinical research.

This series is designed for fellows, faculty, and oncology advanced practice providers (APPs) across cancer-related disciplines, including medical, hematologic, gynecologic, urologic, head and neck, pediatric, surgical, and radiation oncology.

Photo of Thomas Alexander, MD, MPH 

Thomas Alexander, MD, MPH

Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics
UNC School of Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Available Credit

  • 1.00 Participation
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