Published: June 13, 2025
Cancer care offered through Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, is ranked among the top 50 pediatric cancer programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024–2025 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings.
This recognition reflects the commitment to excellence at Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, evident in a comprehensive array of subspecialty clinics tailored to specific cancer types, access to most advanced pediatric oncology technologies, and integration of nationally recognized, evidence-based supportive care services. The program also demonstrates survival outcomes for select malignancies that exceed national benchmarks.
Norton Children’s is the top children’s hospital in Kentucky, also according to those rankings.
Norton Children’s Cancer Institute offers specialized clinics and programs for all forms of pediatric cancer, including brain tumors, leukemia/lymphoma, solid tumors and histiocytosis, along with a dedicated survivorship program. Each patient’s case is reviewed weekly by a multidisciplinary team of specialists to ensure individualized, evidence-based care.
“Our multidisciplinary team collaborates on each patient’s care plan, prioritizing early detection of toxicity, through close cooperation between physicians, nurses, pharmacists and care coordinators,” said Michael J. Ferguson, M.D., M.S., pediatric hematologist/oncologist and chief of Norton Children’s Cancer Institute. “Our oncologists also contribute to national expert panels, helping shape evolving treatment protocols and ensuring our patients benefit from the latest advances in treatment.”
Norton Children’s national ranking affirms its elevated patient survival rates, particularly in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The national five-year survival rate is approaching 85%, while the Kentucky-based program averaged 98% in 2024. Additionally, the team saw five-year patient survival rates in medulloblastoma that exceeded the national average.
The Norton Children’s Cancer Institute team’s commitment to minimizing treatment-related complications, such as catheter infections, reflects its dedication to providing high-quality and safer care for immunocompromised patients.
Norton Children’s Cancer Institute is a regional leader in advanced treatment options. It will soon become the first program in Kentucky to provide gene therapy for hematologic conditions, including sickle cell disease.
The institute also integrates innovative technologies into regular care. For example, mobile MRI services enable patients in the intensive care unit to receive essential imaging without the risks of transport, which improves patient safety and efficiency in complex care environments.
The latest in advanced imaging capabilities, stereotactic radiosurgery and radiation therapies provides patients in the Louisville and Southern Indiana region access to innovative technology and advanced treatment options without traveling far from home.
The support services offered at Norton Children’s Cancer Institute are designed to care for the whole family, with dedicated programs that include:
Norton Children Cancer Institute boasts nationally recognized post-treatment programs that focus on neuropsychology and late-effects therapy, for continued patient support years after treatment ends. These services are essential for children recovering from any side effects impacting learning, behavior or development.“Our psychologists play a critical role in helping patients process their experience and reintegrate into daily life after treatment,” Dr. Ferguson said. “They also assist with school reintegration services, which is a critical form of support for our patients.”
To strengthen collaboration within the system and across the region, Norton Children’s Cancer Institute offers a dedicated consultation line (local: (502) 559-7337; toll-free: (833) 559-7337), available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.Pediatricians and other health care professionals can discuss potential oncology or hematology cases with members of the hematology/oncology team to determine appropriate next steps to ensure timely, informed referrals and to streamline each patient’s coordination of care.
Norton Children’s Cancer Institute provides access to the latest clinical trials and access to leading-edge therapies and ideas through its participation in the Children’s Oncology Group and the Beat Childhood Cancer Consortium. This commitment to research offers patients expanded options and hope through the latest innovations in pediatric cancer care.
In addition to pediatric cancer care, Norton Children’s earned U.S. News & World Report rankings in six other specialties: diabetes and endocrinology; behavioral health; neurology and neurosurgery; orthopedics; pulmonology; and urology. Rankings are based on clinical outcomes, quality of care, available resources and recommendations of pediatric specialists nationwide.
@simonlaurent