Sorenson Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders

The nationally-ranked cancer program at Primary Children’s Hospital includes oncology and bone marrow transplant programs that use the latest treatments and research to restore childhood after cancer.

We treat children, adolescents, and young adults—ranging in age from newborns through mid-20s—with pediatric cancers and non-malignant blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia. Our patients are treated by a multidisciplinary team that specializes in pediatrics and works together to address physical, emotional, and other impacts of their diagnosis. Our team belongs to several national cancer research consortiums dedicated to improving care, treatments, and outcomes for pediatric cancer patients across the Intermountain West.

Groundbreaking treatment 

Our program is dedicated to being on the frontline of cancer treatment using research and cutting edge genetics to provide the best treatment possible for our patients. We participate in national research studies have achieved several groundbreaking milestones. In 2015, Primary Children's was selected as one of the original study sites for the groundbreaking CAR-T therapy for targeted treatment of high-risk leukemia patients and in 2017 was one of the first centers nationally to offer Kymriah as an FDA-approved CAR-T therapy, followed by reporting the highest enrollment rate in the country for this treatment. 

Genetics 

• A focused effort to integrate germline and somatic genetics in pediatric cancer care 
• Collaboration with Family Cancer Assessment Clinic (Huntsman Cancer Institute), one of the oldest and most robust cancer genetic programs in the country, consisting of a multidisciplinary team of caregivers dedicated to care of familial cancer predisposition syndromes 
• Patients and families have readily available access to a team of 8 expert genetic counselors focused on familial cancer predisposition syndromes 
• Established cancer surveillance programs including dedicated pediatric whole body MRI imaging 
• Active research protocols including tissue banking for patients and families with heritable cancer syndromes 
• Genetic profiling of new and relapsed pediatric cancer with a focus on participation in clinical trials
• Active participants in several national consortia with a focus on genomic profiling and translating findings to interventions for patients 

Multidisciplinary care team 

Our cancer care team is comprised of a team of pediatric specialists who are experts in all aspects of treating childhood cancers. They will guide patient and family through treatment plans, emergency care, side effects, preventive medicine, and more. They can also offer support and education to you and your family. 

Cancer resources and support 

As your child is treated for childhood cancer, you may find you need support to meet the demands that will be placed on you and your family. Our care team partners with several organizations to provide support and resources for families of children with cancer. 

Family-centered care 

We understand how important it is to support the entire family when a child has serious health issues. In addition to focusing on excellent care, we have dedicated significant resources to developing family support services. Our team includes physicians, therapists, child life specialists, teachers, and volunteers to engage patients and family members with therapeutic activities, positive distraction, and social support. 

Learn more about our patient and family support services > 

We also partner closely with Ronald McDonald House Charities to provide family rooms in the hospital, and a convenient and affordable place for families to stay nearby the hospital. Primary Children's hospital offers the largest inpatient Ronald McDonald family room in the United States and the Salt Lake City Ronald McDonald House features specialized apartments for immunosuppressed patients.  

Learn more about our Ronald McDonald Family Rooms > 

Learn more about Ronald McDonald House Salt Lake City > 

Cutting-edge research

Primary Children’s Hospital is a key contributor to several national and international groups striving to improve the lives of children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Our caregivers play key roles within these groups to set the standards for pediatric cancer care.

When appropriate, we offer our patients the opportunity to participate in state-of-the-art clinical trials, with the goal of increasing cure rates, identifying underlying causes of cancer, and decreasing late effects of cancer and cancer therapy. 

Our center treats patients with a variety of cancer and blood disorder diagnoses with specialty programs focused on providing the best care possible. Our doctors and care team decide the best course of treatment for each individual patient and recommend supportive resources to help patients and families through treatment.

• Bone Marrow Transplant Program
• Blood Disorders
• Extra Corporeal Photopheresis
• Family Cancer Assessment Clinic (FCAC)
• Immunology Program
• Infusion Services/ Day hospital
• Neurooncology Program
• Oncofertility Program
• Oncology Program
• Radiation Oncology
• Retinoblastoma
• Survivorship Program
• Therapeutic Apheresis
• Supportive Oncology for Adolescents and Pediatrics (SOAP)
• Huntsman-Intermountain Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Care Program (AYA)