Scientists have identified mutations in a gene that predict a high likelihood of relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): Gene Abnormality Found to Predict Childhood Cancer Relapse.
This is a very early but very exciting discovery. Details will be in the New England Journal of Medicine next week. More information can be found at:
NEJM editorial: http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/NEJMe0809819v1
NEJM article: http://content.nejm.org/cgi/reprint/NEJMoa0808253.pdf
NCI TARGET news release:
http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/ALLTARGET
What is TARGET? http://target.cancer.gov/about/
Today a teleconference was held on these new findings on pediatric high-risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Brief presentations from principal investigators from NCI, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Children’s Oncology Group, followed by an open question and answer session.
Toll-Free Playback is available through February 9, 2009 at 1-866-357-4215.
Last month the NCI released a snapshot of the incidence of pediatric cancers: Pediatric Cancer Snapshot
Yesterday, Science Daily had an article about the causes of neuroblastoma: New Insight into Agressive Childhood Cancer
During the month of December, Candlelighters again displayed the Gold Ribbon Holiday Awareness Tree. The Washington Post did an article on the help provided by St. John's Episcopal School: St. John's School Helps Cancer Foundation
Finally, there is another free teleconference from Beyond the Cure that may be of interest:
Free teleconference sponsored by The National Children's Cancer Society:
Title: Late Effects of Childhood Cancer: Current Research and the Impact on Health
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Central
Presenter: Paul Nathan, M.D. MSc, FRCPC Staff Oncologist, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada: Associate Scientist, Research Institute: Child Health EvaluativeSciences: Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto
This Teleconference will:
Identify key issues faced by survivors of childhood cancer.
Discuss strategies utilized in monitoring for late effects of cancer therapy.
Develop interventions to aid survivors in living healthy lives after cancer.
List resources available to survivors of childhood cancer.
The final 15 minutes will be open to a question and answer session.
To Register: Online registration is available at Beyond the Cure or call 1-800-FAMILY (1-800-532-6459).
Enhancing the lives of families and children by providing education and advocacy, emotional and practical support, and most of all... HOPE....because kids can't fight cancer alone!
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