Dana-Farber/Boston Children's remains nation's #1 pediatric cancer program

Boston Children's Hospital retains rank as country's best pediatric hospital in new U.S. News rankings

U.S. News & World Report has once again named Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center the nation's #1 pediatric cancer program in its new 2016-17 Best Children's Hospitals rankings. This marks the third year in a row that Dana-Farber/Boston Children's topped U.S. News's pediatric cancer rankings. Boston Children's Hospital remained the best pediatric hospital in the country.

"Once again, we are honored by U.S. News' recognition of the exceptional, multidisciplinary care we offer every child with cancer who walks through our doors," said David A. Williams, MD, president of Dana-Farber/Boston Children's. "This U.S. News ranking is testament to the unique strength that comes from marrying a world-class cancer center with a world-class children's hospital. It is also testament to our commitment to research into new treatments and delivery of these treatments to our young patients."

Dana-Farber/ Boston Children's brings together two internationally known research and teaching institutions that have provided comprehensive care for pediatric oncology and hematology patients since 1947. The Harvard Medical School affiliates share a clinical staff that delivers inpatient care at Boston Children's and most outpatient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Overall, U.S. News ranked Boston Children's #1 in eight of the ten specialty areas it rates, several of which are involved in the treatment of pediatric cancer or the side effects of therapy. Among them, for instance, is neurology/neurosurgery, whose patients include children with brain tumors. In addition to cancer and neurology/neurosurgery, Boston Children's garnered #1 rankings in cardiology/heart surgery, gastroenterology/GI surgery, neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics and urology. It ranked #2 in diabetes/endocrinology and pulmonology.

"Not only are our oncologists experts in pediatric cancers, but our access to top pediatric specialists in disciplines from cardiology to endocrinology also makes us uniquely poised to treat side effects of treatment that affect the developing bodies of children with cancer," said Lisa Diller, MD, chief medical officer of Dana-Farber/Boston Children's. "Our multidisciplinary teams include pediatric radiologists and pediatric pathologists who have the expertise to correctly diagnose a patient's cancer so we can develop the appropriate treatment plan. All of this is delivered in a child-friendly environment with psychosocial support for our young patients and families during a difficult time in their lives."

The U.S. News Best Children's Hospitals rankings help parents determine where to get the best medical care for their children. The rankings highlight the top 50 U.S. pediatric facilities in 10 specialties, from cancer to urology. 79 hospitals ranked in at least one specialty.

"The Best Children's Hospitals highlight pediatric centers that offer exceptional care for the kids who need the most help," said U.S. News Health Rankings Editor Avery Comarow. "Day in and day out, they deliver state-of-the-art medical care."

The U.S. News Best Children's Hospitals rankings rely on clinical data and on an annual survey of pediatric specialists. Survival rates, adequacy of nurse staffing, procedure volume and much more can be viewed on health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/pediatric-rankings. The rankings will be published in the U.S. News "Best Hospitals 2017" guidebook, available for pre-sale August 1.