Pediatric Hematology / Oncology

Welcome to Pediatric Oncology

The division of pediatric hematology/oncology at LPCH is one of the largest and most active in the country. We currently have 20 full-time faculty members. Our division is a recognized leader in  clinical and translational research in pediatric oncology and hematology. All members of the division are actively involved in research. The division has more than 40 active research projects with peer-reviewed funding. Senior faculty members play key roles in the Children’s Oncology Group, New Agents in Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT) and in other national and international research consortium. 

The oncology program is comprised of eight full-time faculty. In addition, several other faculty  who are  laboratory based that participate in the clinical service. We have a large clinical service with 150-200 new patients a year. All patients are offered participation in current clinical trials and are provided up to date clinical care.

Our faculty have broad expertise in all areas related to pediatric oncology. Highlights of specific programs and research areas are listed below:

Neyssa Marina, MD, MS
Professor and Section Chief 
Pediatric Oncology

Section Chief

Neyssa Marina, MD, MS is a Pediatric Oncologist with a research interest in the biology, diagnosis and treatment of sarcomas.  She was the Principal Investigator in the United States for an International trial evaluating whether altering post-operative therapy based on histological response affects outcome.  The trial included investigators from the European Osteosarcoma Intergroup (EOI), the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group (COSS) and the Scandinavia Sarcoma Group (SSG).  This trial also included a quality of life component.  This is the largest osteosarcoma trial to date.  Dr. Marina collaborates with Dr. Sweet-Cordero to develop new innovative therapy for patients with sarcomas.  Since patients with sarcomas require aggressive treatment, Dr. Marina is also interested in therapy-related complications for patients with sarcomas.  For that reason, she is an active investigator in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS).  This is an epidemiological cohort study evaluating late sequelae in childhood cancer survivors.

In addition, Dr. Marina also has expertise in the diagnosis and therapy of patients with germ cell tumors.  She has been principal investigator in a number of trials for patients with this condition. 

Oncology Faculty

  • Neyssa Marina, MD, MS - Section Chief
  • Catherine Aftandilian, MD, MS
  • Harvey Cohen, MD, PhD
  • Gary Dahl, MD
  • Kara Davis, DO
  • Karen Effinger, MD, MS
  • Joan Fisher, MD, PhD (CPMC)
  • Norman Lacayo, MD
  • Michael Link, MD
  • Sandra Luna-Fineman, MD
  • Arun Rangaswami, MD
  • Julien Sage, PhD
  • Kathleen Sakamoto, MD, PhD
  • Krysta Schlis, MD
  • Sheri Spunt, MD, MBA
  • Alejandro Sweet-Cordero, MD
  • John Tan, MD
  • Clare Twist, MD

Our Team