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CHOC Research Institute

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Terence Sanger, Chief Scientific Officer at CHOC, speaks to the importance of research at a children’s hospital.

We conduct research directly with children and adolescents in a facility devoted exclusively to the care, quality of life, rights and safety of children of all ages.

At CHOC, we know that research saves lives. That’s why our Research Institute has more than 500 research studies in more than 30 specialties to provide your child with access to leading-edge treatments. Our scientists translate the latest advances in molecular profiling, including whole genome sequencing, to meet the individual needs of our patients at every stage of their young lives —from infancy through adolescence.

Stories of Innovative Pediatric Research

Phil smiles at the camera outside, holding onions from his garden.

Healthcare

Senior scientist to leave after 26 years with Research Institute positioned for continued growth, success

Dr. Phil Schwartz loves to cook and create new therapies for kids with rare diseases. After 26 years at CHOC, he’s retiring.

CHOC Docs Blog

Cancer / Oncology

Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue preserves fertility

CHOC participates in an ongoing innovative study on ovarian tissue transplantation that can help cancer patients have children in the future.

CHOC Docs Blog

Epilepsy / Seizures

Research scientist improving CHOC’s focus on advanced imaging, mapping of brain

Sumiko Abe uses her vast experience to help clinicians view the best possible images of the brain to influence treatment plans.

CHOC Docs Blog

Cancer / Oncology

Cutting-edge device approved for compassionate use saves leg, life of young girl

CHOC doctors secured a one-time compassionate use FDA approval to use a cutting-edge device to help remove Naomi’s tumor and save her leg.

CHOC Health

Heart / Cardiology

Milestone procedure saves preemie with complex heart disease

Before Hope was born, her mom knew she had heart defects and would need surgery after birth. Thankfully, she was in good hands at CHOC.

CHOC Health

Neurology

Wired for hope

In a first for CHOC, a multidisciplinary team performs deep brain stimulation on 16-year-old to treat her debilitating movement disorder.

CHOC Health

About the CHOC Research Institute

The CHOC Research Institute was formally established in 2003, after years of active participation in pediatric clinical research. Today, the Research Institute supports more than 350 active human-subject research studies across nearly all of our pediatric subspecialty areas.

The Institute’s Sponsored Projects and Research Compliance offices administer and oversee federal NIH, California State CIRM, private foundation and donor funding in support of translational and clinical child health research.

The Research Institute also has a formal affiliation with UC Irvine, a collaboration that brings advanced treatment to patients. Through the partnership, additional grants have been awarded to both institutions, and CHOC researchers have access to valuable University resources, like the Beckman Laser Institute, in an effort to bring breakthrough therapies and cures to pediatric patients.

CHOC Clinical Care and Research Attracts Patients Worldwide

The McGregor family of Blackfalds, Alberta, Canada found CHOC while searching for treatment alternatives for their 11-year-old daughter, Katharina (Katha). Katha has Niemann-Pick disease Type C (NP-C), a rare genetic disease that causes cholesterol to accumulate in the brain, lungs, liver and spleen, leading to deterioration and early death.

Since March 2016, Katha and her mother have traveled from Canada to CHOC every other week to participate in a yearlong clinical trial. While the travel is challenging, McGregor says it is definitely worthwhile. Read Katha’s story.