Assorted News from the Last Week:
The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer aims for a two-thirds remission rate by 2030, saving the lives of approximately one million children worldwide. Obesity linked to subsequent neoplasms in childhood cancer survivors. Virginia Tech researchers are developing more precise treatments for pediatric brain cancer using a new class of therapies that target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The Nepal Childhood Cancer Alliance (NCCA) marked International Cancer Survivor Day by launching Nepal’s first-ever educational scholarship program dedicated to childhood cancer survivors. Patients and parents preferred their oncologist provide options and recommend a plan, even if no cure is available. Nearly half of the infants in this cancer cohort harbored tumors potentially susceptible to therapeutic targets on the basis of genomic profile, and among these, another half sought benefit from therapeutic implementation. For pediatric patients with retinoblastoma, aqueous humor liquid biopsy via anterior chamber paracentesis is a safe and well-tolerated procedure. Recent advances have resulted in highly effective “tissue-agnostic” drugs that treat cancers based on their molecular markers rather than their tissue of origin, but very few of these drugs are approved for use in children. Despite guidelines surrounding fertility preservation (FP) discussions before cancer therapy, and strong consensus regarding the importance of FP access, many AYA-treating practices in community settings lack access to FP services. Two adult-focused articles with ramifications for pediatrics:- A new, incision-free technique will treat debilitating brain lesions called cerebral cavernous malformations, or cavernomas, has shown great promise in early testing, halting the growth of the lesions almost entirely.
- Dual-target CAR T cell therapy shrinks tumors in aggressive brain cancer.
Upcoming Webinars, Online Opportunities, and Meetings:
The Coalition Against Childhood Cancer will hold its 2025 Annual Summit, hosted by Children’s National Hospital in Washington DC and presented by Day One Biopharmaceuticals. This annual event reflects the CAC2 values and mission by providing top-notch educational programming, designing multiple opportunities for members to connect and engage, and showcasing the ongoing efforts of our members who are working for a future without childhood cancers. June 15-17. Register here: CAC2 Annual Summit Registration
MIB Agents FACTOR Osteosarcoma Conference brings together the leading osteosarcoma researchers, clinicians, patient families, osteosarcoma survivors, patients, and bereaved parents to Make it Better (MIB) for those battling this disease. The conference is is Salt Lake City, UT on June 26 – 28 2025. Click here for more information and to register.
Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing is pleased to announce Race Against Kids’ Cancer (RAKC), which will be at High Plains Raceway where these wonderful cars of all years and vintages are invited to gather to celebrate this class and September 27-28. Click here for more information and to register.Past Recordings:
CAC2 member Mark Levine hosts a podcast called, “Help and Hope Happen Here” (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts). Access recent podcasts with CAC2 Members (and visit Help and Hope Happen Here for interviews with other CAC2 members and thought leaders from around the community):- Jen and Jon Wall (Zach’s Bridge)
Take Action:
The Childhood Cancer Data Jamboree (https://events.cancer.gov/
At CAC2 we are focused on children with cancer, but the issues impacting them are wide ranging and often far bigger than what the childhood cancer community can accomplish on their own. We align with others— sometimes leading the charge, sometimes following and supporting their efforts. The following post is a Call to Action from the Haystack Project: The Voices of Rare and Ultra Rare (https://haystackproject.org) concerning possible Medicaid cuts: https://www.cac2.org/guest-blog-save-medicaid-materials-to-share-with-your-communities/. We discussed this issue previously. The Bill recently passed the House and has moved from the House to the Senate.
The International Neuroblastoma Risk Group (INRG) Executive Committee are looking for patient advocates to be active members of the committee. Expression of Interest document.