High-Dose Methotrexate Extends Event-Free Survival for Children with Leukemia

High-Dose Methotrexate Extends Event-Free Survival for Children with Leukemia

From the NCI Bulletin:

Children’s Oncology Group researchers have shown in a phase III clinical trial that radically increasing the dose of methotrexate used to treat patients with high-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell ALL) significantly improves 5-year event-free survival (that is, survival without any serious health events) when compared with the current standard of care. The trial results were presented last week at the ASCO annual meeting.

In the current standard of care, known as the Capizzi regimen, patients are started on a low dose of methotrexate, and the dose is increased gradually over time. Methotrexate is then followed by treatment with a second chemotherapy drug called asparaginase. In the new approach, however, patients are given a dose of methotrexate that is about 50 times the starting dose in the Capizzi regimen, and asparaginase is not used.

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Act Now -NCI Funding to be Discussed on Capitol Hill

From our friends at Curesearch:

Restoring National Cancer Institute funding to 2010 levels for fiscal year 2012 is a top priority for CureSearch for Children's Cancer. The appropriations process on Capitol Hill is underway, and the Labor -Health and Human Services -Education bill (through which NIH and NCI receive funding) will be discussed soon. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Richard Burr (R-NC) are working hard to ensure the National Cancer Institute continues to receive the funding necessary to support ongoing research and discovery. To that end, they sent a letter to their colleagues asking them to sign onto the letter of support. As of today, Senators John Kerry (D-MA) Pat Leahy (D-VT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) are also supporting this endeavor. Call your senators TODAY and ask that they also sign onto the letter from Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Richard Burr (R-NC) in support of NIH funding.

The deadline for senators to contact Senator Casey’s office is TOMORROW, June 9, so CALL YOUR SENATORS NOW!

MD
Sen. Ben Cardin Phone : (203)224-4524 and. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (202) 224-4654.

VA
Sen. Jim Webb Phone: (202) 224-4024 and Sen. Mark Warner Phone: (202) 224-2023

P.S. If you live in Massachusetts, Vermont, or Oregon, you might want to thank Senators John Kerry (D-MA), Pat Leahy (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), for already signing this important letter.

Action alert!

If you haven't already done so, please contact your senators and ask them to sign Senator Reed and Isakson's "Dear Colleague" letter. Time is running out to tell your senators to fund the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. As a reminder, senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) recently sent a "Dear Colleague" letter to their fellow senators urging them to invest in children's cancer research, surveillance, and education by funding the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act in the 2012 budget.

http://www.kintera.org/c.8hKOI3MFIjI2E/b.6440521/k.82B3/Action_Items/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=8hKOI3MFIjI2E&b=6440521&aid=16035 Your senators have until today, June 8 to sign onto this letter, so email or call: Sen. Jim Webb Phone: (202) 224-4024 or click above link

6th Annual Survivor's Conference: I'm Cured, Now What?

Teens 16 and over, please mark your calendar! DC Candlelighters is proud to co-sponsor the survivor conference again in 2011. See brochure and registration form below for details. Click to open each page, or go to www.lifewithcancer.org to register online.

Childhood Cancer News

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Childhood Cancer Survivors At Increased Risk Of Certain Tumors In Middle-Age


Long-term Risks of Subsequent Primary Neoplasms Among Survivors of Childhood Cancer