NCT01120353 · St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
What this study is about
The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) will investigate the long-term effects of cancer and its associated therapies.
View original scientific description
The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) will investigate the long-term effects of cancer and its associated therapies. A retrospective cohort study will be conducted through a multi-institutional collaboration, which will involve the identification and active follow-up of a cohort of approximately 50,000 survivors of cancer, diagnosed before 21 years of age, between 1970 and 1999 and 10,000 sibling controls. This project will study children and young adults exposed to specific therapeutic modalities, including radiation, chemotherapy, and/or surgery, who are at increased risk of late-occurring adverse health outcomes. A group of sibling controls will be identified and data collected for comparison purposes.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Initial Cohort:
- Five-year survival following diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, CNS tumor, bone tumor, Wilms tumor, neuroblastoma, or soft tissue sarcoma before age 21 years between January 1, 1970 and December 31, 1986 at one of participating centers. Expanded cohort:
- Five-year survival following diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, CNS tumor, bone tumor, kidney tumor, neuroblastoma, or rhabdomyosarcoma before age 21 years between January 1, 1987 and December 31, 1999 at one of participating centers.
- English- or Spanish-speaking and living in the U.S. or Canada at the time of diagnosis.
Exclusion criteria
- Diagnosis of non-malignant tumors (i.e., Langerhans cell histiocytosis, meningioma, craniopharyngioma, etc.) treated with radiation and/or chemotherapy.
- Non-English speaking or residence outside the US or Canada. Sibling Controls:
- For comparison purposes, a group of sibling controls will be identified to represent a stratified random sample based on the distribution of survivors with regard to cancer diagnosis, age, sex, race, and geographic location.
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Duarte, California
- Los Angeles, California
- Orange, California
- San Francisco, California
- Stanford, California
- Aurora, Colorado
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Chicago, Illinois
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Boston, Massachusetts
And 14 more locations — see the full list below.
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations