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Treatment of Childhood Carcinoma of Unknown Primary
Source: Childhood Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: January 12, 2024 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
Treatment of newly diagnosed carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) in children depends on the following:
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What the cancer cells look like under a microscope.
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The child's age.
The results of tests and procedures.
Where the cancer has spread in the body.
For information about the treatments listed below, see the Treatment Option Overview section.
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Treatment of newly diagnosed CUP in children may include the following:
Radiation therapy.
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Chemotherapy.
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Targeted therapy.
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Sometimes childhood carcinoma of unknown primary can recur (come back) after treatment. If your child is diagnosed with a recurrent carcinoma of unknown primary, your child's doctor will work with you to plan treatment.
Use our clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. General information about clinical trials is also available.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice