All articles tagged with #pediatric cancer
A 6-year-old girl in Miami was diagnosed with a fast-growing brain tumor called medulloblastoma after her crossed eyes prompted medical attention. She underwent successful surgery, followed by extensive chemotherapy and radiation, and is now in remission, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment in pediatric cancers.
THON 2024, a 46-hour dance marathon at Penn State, raised a record-breaking $16,955,683.63 for pediatric cancer, marking the third consecutive year of breaking its yearly record. The event, which involved 708 dancers, culminated a year's worth of fundraising efforts for Four Diamonds, bringing the total raised since 1977 to over $215 million. Fundraising for THON 2025 will begin soon as the fight against pediatric cancer continues.
Lucas, a 13-year-old boy from Belgium, has become the first person to be cured of a deadly brain cancer, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), thanks to a miraculous recovery in France. Despite advances in pediatric cancer management, some types remain difficult to treat, posing a challenge for the medical world. Lucas's recovery offers hope for those affected by similar conditions.
The American Cancer Society's 2024 report reveals a record high of over two million new cancer diagnoses in the US, with concerning increases in colorectal cancer among young people. However, there is a decrease in overall cancer death rates, except for endometrial cancer, which disproportionately affects women of color. Pediatric cancer rates are stabilizing, potentially due to HPV vaccination, offering hope for a more cancer-free future for children.
The author shares her personal experience with her son's supposedly "benign" brain tumor, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding the term. Despite the initial relief, the tumor recurred and spread, leading to a difficult treatment journey with toxic side effects. The author emphasizes the need to change the perception of "benign" tumors, as they can still cause significant physical and neurological damage. Pediatric low-grade gliomas, although generally having a good prognosis, can result in long-term issues and require ongoing monitoring and treatment. The author calls for more research and awareness to eradicate these devastating tumors.
Nathan Traller's daughter Nathalie was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that had no treatment protocol. After enrolling in a clinical trial and advocating for access to immunotherapy drugs, Nathalie became the first pediatric ASPS patient to take the drug. Although Nathalie passed away at 16, her advocacy work led to the FDA approval of the drug that helped her, and a pediatric clinical trial. Her tenacity also changed how clinical trials include people under 18. Nathalie's legacy lives on in the hope that other families facing an ASPS diagnosis will have access to a treatment protocol.