Researchers studying the genetic roots of the most common malignant childhood brain tumor have discovered missteps in three of the four subtypes of the cancer that involve genes already targeted for drug development.
To speed progress against cancer and other diseases, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project today announced the largest-ever release of comprehensive human cancer genome data for free access by the global scientific community. The amount of information released more than doubles the volume of high-coverage, whole genome data currently available from all human genome sources combined. This information is valuable not just to cancer researchers, but also to scientists studying almost any disease.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52993-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital-comprehensive-human-cancer-genome-data
A pill designed to zero in on abnormal genes that drive specific cancers has produced encouraging early results in children with an uncommon but aggressive type of lymphoma, as well as in children with a rare form of neuroblastoma.
A phase 1 clinical trial of the drug crizotinib achieved remissions, with minimal side effects, for 10 of the children participating in a clinical study carried out by the multicenter Children’s Oncology Group (COG). The results were “an exciting proof-of-principle” for the targeted treatment, said the study leader, Yaël P. Mossé, M.D., a pediatric oncologist at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
“We are entering a new era of cancer therapy, in which we use knowledge of basic biology to design very specific drugs that target cancer cells with potentially less side effects on healthy tissue,” said Mossé. “In addition, as we concentrate on targets in molecular pathways, we move away from an exclusive focus on one form of cancer to customizing treatments according to biological activity. Abnormal ALK activity occurs in subtypes of neuroblastoma and subtypes of lymphoma, so identifying ALK activity in individual patients may enable us to provide the most effective care.”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/50776-childrens-hospital-philadelphia-lymphoma-neuroblastoma-oncology-gene-trial
Researchers have identified the first gene mutation associated with a chronic and often fatal form of neuroblastoma that typically strikes adolescents and young adults. The finding provides the first clue about the genetic basis of the long-recognized but poorly understood link between treatment outcome and age at diagnosis.
The study involved 104 infants, children and young adults with advanced neuroblastoma, a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. Investigators discovered the ATRX gene was mutated only in patients age 5 and older. The alterations occurred most often in patients age 12 and older. These older patients were also more likely than their younger counterparts to have a chronic form of neuroblastoma and die years after their disease is diagnosed.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52992-st-jude-pediatric-cancer-genome-project-neuroblastoma-research
Today the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), announced their support for children and families suffering from Sudden Onset Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. They are releasing two new PSAs created to bring awareness and engender change surrounding the disorder PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome).
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54781-ocd-foundation-pandas-psa-obsessive-compulsive-disorder
Nestlé Health Science will unveil its pediatric closed system formulas with the new SpikeRight® PLUS port at the annual American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition’s (A.S.P.E.N.) Clinical Nutrition Week meeting being held in Orlando January 21-24. The introduction marks a significant step in supporting the provision of safe enteral (tube) feeding.
Enteral tubing misconnections, where feeding solutions are wrongly administered through intravenous (IV) tubing or other non-enteral systems, have been a concern for nearly thirty years. Most commonly occurring in intensive care settings, where patients have multiple types of tubing connections, an enteral tubing misconnection can result in catastrophic complications and possibly death.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53580-nestle-health-science-launches-next-generation-spikeright-plus-pediatrics
New findings from the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP) have helped identify the mechanism that makes the childhood eye tumor retinoblastoma so aggressive. The discovery explains why the tumor develops so rapidly while other cancers can take years or even decades to form.
The finding also led investigators to a new treatment target and possible therapy for the rare childhood tumor of the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye. The study appears in the January 11 advance online edition of the scientific journal Nature.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/46767-st-jude-genome-project-treatment-childhood-eye-tumor-retinoblastoma
Researchers have discovered that a subtype of leukemia characterized by a poor prognosis is fueled by mutations in pathways distinctly different from a seemingly similar leukemia associated with a much better outcome. The findings from the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital — Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP) highlight a possible new strategy for treating patients with this more aggressive cancer.
The work provides the first details of the genetic alterations fueling a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) known as early T-cell precursor ALL (ETP-ALL). The results suggest ETP-ALL has more in common with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) than with other subtypes of ALL. The study appears in the January 12 edition of the journal Nature.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/46768-st-jude-cancer-genome-sequencing-project-combat-aggressive-leukemia
On October 21st, 2011, Lancôme invites customers to experience the “Beauty of Giving” by celebrating Genes Day, a one-day national event Lancôme began in 2010 to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. On this day, Lancôme will donate $7 from the sale of every bottle of Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate to St. Jude. (This is in addition to special promotions and events nationwide surrounding Genes Day throughout the month of October.)
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52300-lancome-genes-day-2011-st-jude-julia-roberts-genifique-beauty-of-giving
CareFusion (NYSE: CFN), a leading global medical technology company, today announced the launch of the ReVel™ ventilator, a new high performance, portable device designed for pediatric to adult (min. 5Kg) patients who require breathing support during transport.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/carefusion/50615/
Every day, sick children fight for life at Children’s Medical Center (www.childrens.com). At their bedsides are some of the world’s best surgeons, determined to do everything in their power to help them.
Beginning Aug. 3, “Children’s Med Dallas,” a five-part TV documentary airing on WFAA Ch. 8, will reveal behind-the-scenes stories of life at the nation’s 7th-largest pediatric hospital.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/childrens/51372/
With Arizona facing its share of tragedies lately – economically, politically and most recently the wildfires which have impacted thousands of residents – the community has found comfort in rallying together to celebrate the grand opening of the new Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The campus of Arizona’s only hospital 100 percent for children grew from 345 licensed beds to 465, and will ultimately house 626 licensed beds at full build-out, expected in 2013.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/phoenixchildrenshospital/50358/
