Golisano Children's Hospital in Rochester ranked 45th nationally for pediatric cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2026-27 Best Children's Hospitals rankings.
The recognition, released September 15, marks the third time in four years that the University of Rochester Medicine hospital has appeared in the pediatric cancer category.
The ranking covers the hospital's Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, which treats children, adolescents and young adults with cancer, blood disorders, bone marrow failure and congenital immune deficiencies. The source release did not include the ranking methodology or the hospital's scores.
The division operates as part of Golisano Children's and Wilmot Cancer Institute. Wilmot's designation as a National Cancer Institute cancer center gives patients access to research-based therapies and clinical trials.
Program combines treatment and research
The pediatric team conducts clinical and laboratory research focused on preventing and treating childhood cancers and managing long-term complications from therapy. Its work also includes stem cell transplantation programs for malignant and nonmalignant conditions, including sickle cell disease and immune deficiencies.
The division participates in the Children's Oncology Group and works with other pediatric clinical-trial organizations. Those partnerships are intended to speed research into treatments and prevention for cancers affecting children and adolescents.
Jamie Flerlage, chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, said the program aims to provide advanced treatment while allowing patients to remain near their families, schools and support systems. She said Wilmot's continued growth is expected to expand access to specialized care and clinical trials across the region.
Hospital says clinical trial access is expanding
Jonathan Friedberg, director of Wilmot Cancer Institute, said the pediatric program has added basic-science researchers and opened new pediatric oncology clinical trials during the past year and a half. The release did not specify how many researchers or trials were added.
Jill Halterman, physician-in-chief of Golisano Children's, credited the ranking to clinicians and staff in pediatric hematology and oncology. Hospital officials described the national placement as recognition of both patient care and the division's research work.
The ranking does not by itself indicate that every patient needs highly specialized or trial-based treatment. Families considering care can review available services, eligibility for clinical trials and referral options directly with Golisano Children's and Wilmot Cancer Institute.
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