Will Parsons

Dr. Donald "Will" Parsons is a prominent figure in pediatric oncology and cancer genomics research. He serves as the Beverly and Daniel C. Arnold Endowed Chair for Pediatric Cancer Precision Medicine at Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center.13

Professional Background

Dr. Parsons is a board-certified pediatric hematologist-oncologist specializing in the care of children with high-risk cancers, including brain and spinal cord tumors.2 He holds the position of Deputy Director at Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center.3

Research Focus

Dr. Parsons' research primarily focuses on:

1. Developing large-scale genomic methods to identify and evaluate cancer-causing mutations in human tumors1
2. Advancing precision medicine in pediatric oncology6

His work aims to improve the understanding of cancer genetics and develop more effective, less toxic therapies for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer.6

Leadership and Contributions

Dr. Parsons is recognized as:

• A national leader in applying genomics to childhood cancer4
• A key figure in pediatric neuro-oncology4
• An advocate for precision oncology in pediatric patients5

He has been involved in significant research initiatives, including the pediatric MATCH trial, which demonstrated the feasibility of implementing precision medicine approaches in pediatric cancer treatment.7

Impact on Pediatric Oncology

Dr. Parsons' work has contributed to:

• Advancing the understanding of cancer genomics in pediatric patients
• Developing and implementing precision medicine strategies for childhood cancers
• Improving treatment options for children with high-risk cancers

His efforts continue to shape the field of pediatric oncology, particularly in the areas of genomics and precision medicine.