Dallas researchers have pinpointed a gene that fuels the development of several pediatric cancers, a finding that could serve as an impetus for pharmaceutical companies to develop new cancer treatments that help without using chemotherapy.
Category Archives: Pediatric Cancer
The Challenges After Surviving a Childhood Disease
For Millions of Teens and Young Adults, Finding a Doctor to Treat Them as They Grow Up Is Hard
“Every youth needs a transition plan to adult care, but for those with complex medical needs who require constant interaction with the health care system, it’s especially important that the connection not be broken,” says GotTransition’s co-director, rheumatologist Patience White.
Camp offers summer fun for cancer patients, survivors
Whether it’s swimming, playing ball or just being outside with friends, camp is a fun part of the summer for many children.
Those kids who have cancer don’t have to miss out on the fun, either, thanks to Camp Sunrise, a weeklong sleep-away camp where they can be campers instead of patients. It’s put on by the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Division of Pediatric Oncology.
Empire State Building won’t light up for pediatric cancer awareness
The Empire State Building, which has lit the Manhattan skyline in the past to honor Gay Pride Week, Chinese New Year, and even the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, has refused requests to light up in honor of pediatric cancer awareness.
Stoddard put in a formal request with the Empire State Building asking to go gold for one night to raise awareness for pediatric cancer research.
But, the Empire State Building said no, simultaneously crushing Tony’s promise to son that his life would mean something. Other young cancer patient parents are now rallying around the Stoddards.
Cancer patient gets her name in lights above Chicago expressway
Most of the 260,000 drivers who zoom past on a typical weekday likely don’t realize the significance of the sign. “People are like, ‘Who’s Rosie?” said John Novak, 61, founder of Novak Construction.
“Then I tell them the story. I tell them there is a pretty sick little girl and we put it up for her.”
The megawatt gesture has meant a lot to the Colucci family.
“It gives me a lot of strength, just knowing people care and that they’re praying for her and they stand behind us in our fight,” said Rosie’s mom, JoAnne Colucci, 50.
“The sign is not just a sign,” she said. “It’s hope.”
When unapproved drugs are the only hope
The debate over compassionate use and “Right to Try” legislation.
The U.S. has a system meant to help: it’s called compassionate use and it’s a way for terminally ill or otherwise optionless patients to access experimental drugs outside of clinical trials. For a patient to receive a medicine on that basis, she must have the support of her physician, the consent of the Food and Drug Administration and a pharmaceutical company willing to supply the drug. That’s where the Trallers, and many others, have gotten stuck.
11-year old girl invents “chemo backpack” to help cancer patients
What are the differences between cancers in adults and children?
The types of cancers that develop in children are often different from the types that develop in adults. Childhood cancers are often the result of DNA changes in cells that take place very early in life, sometimes even before birth. Unlike many cancers in adults, childhood cancers are not strongly linked to lifestyle or environmental risk factors.
Every 3 Minutes
Every 3 minutes, a family hears their child has cancer
– St. Baldrick’s Foundation