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
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
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is launching a new series of public service announcements (PSAs) to help raise awareness and deepen the understanding of the hospital’s lifesaving mission through real St. Jude heroes – its patients and families. St. Jude has not produced national PSAs since 2003 and timed this new multichannel campaign to coincide with the hospital’s 50th anniversary.
The PSAs share St. Jude moments through patients and families like 10-year-old Angiel. Angiel and her mom Damaris were planning a trip to Africa for a family reunion when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that produced tumors in both of Angiel’s legs. Today, thanks to St. Jude doctors, Angiel can still look forward to visiting family in a foreign land one day. Angiel’s story is just one of several patients featured in the PSAs.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/stjude/46749/
Using a combination of 160 high-resolution tungsten leaves and dramatically faster leaf movement, Elekta’s revolutionary new Agility™* MLC promises a new level of precision and delivery speed in radiation therapy treatments for cancer patients. Elekta recently received 510(k) clearance (K121328) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Agility, enabling U.S. medical centers to provide these clinical benefits to their patients with cancer.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55638-elekta-agility-radiation-therapy-radiotherapy-cancer-sbrt
At its annual meeting of more than 10,000 financial representatives and staff members today, Northwestern Mutual announced its new multi-year philanthropic program to fight childhood cancer. The effort, through the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, builds upon the company’s legacy of helping children and families. It leverages Northwestern Mutual’s field force throughout the country to implement a range of community events and programs to raise awareness and money for pediatric cancer.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53645-northwestern-mutual-philanthropic-campaign-pediatric-cancer-research
The Oral Cancer Foundation is pleased to have developed partnerships with two highly visible Hollywood stars to raise awareness of a disease of which too few people in the U.S. have ever heard. Academy Award winning actor, Michael Douglas, who has recently completed successful treatment for an advanced oral cancer, and Emmy and Tony Award winning actress, Blythe Danner, who lost her husband to the same disease have partnered with OCF to send a very important message about screening and early detection of oral cancer to the American public.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/57170-oral-cancer-foundation-michael-douglas-early-detection-psa-campaign
It was January 2012, Isaac dribbled the ball; shot it through the hoop, swish! This was a simple moment the 15-year-old athlete who once participated in cross country, soccer and basketball, thought he’d never experience again. Ten months earlier, Isaac was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He became a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and through extensive treatment and care, his cancer is in remission and he is able to play the sports he loves.
Chili’s® Grill & Bar is helping St. Jude patients like Isaac enjoy their own special, everyday moments through the brand’s ninth annual Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer campaign. Participating Chili’s restaurants nationwide and in Puerto Rico are joining in the fight against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month and through Sept. 26, Chili’s guests can help the cause by donating at their local restaurants and online.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/57540-chili-s-create-a-pepper-for-st-jude
As part of its charitable giving program, jcp cares, jcpenney is supporting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, an organization committed to funding scientific research to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime. This October, in honor of breast cancer awareness month, jcpenney customers can round up their store purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54268-jcpenney-invites-customers-to-support-breast-cancer-research-foundation
Mimi’s Cafe® announces its partnership with National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and launches the Mimi’s Power of Pink campaign in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All 145 Mimi’s locations will raise awareness and funds in support of NBCF’s mission to save lives through early detection and by providing mammograms for women in need. Mimi’s kicks off the campaign Oct. 1 with a special offer: Wear pink to Mimi’s and receive a FREE seasonal Pumpkin Spiced Muffin with any purchase. There will be more ways to participate throughout the month.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58344-mimi-s-cafe-power-of-pink-national-breast-cancer-awareness-month-october
Phenogen Sciences, Inc. [www.phenogensciences.com] today announced the immediate availability of BREVAGen™, a predictive risk test for the millions of women at above average risk of developing estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. This first-in-class, scientifically-validated risk assessment test examines a woman’s clinical risk factors, such as her lifetime exposure to estrogen, combined with scientifically validated genetic markers to determine each patient’s personalized five-year and lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58399-phenogen-sciences-brevagen-breast-cancer-risk-assessment-test-availability
Aflac, the number one provider of supplemental insurance in the United States, and recognized six times by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, is once again teaming with Macy’s to produce and sell the 2012 Aflac Holiday duck . This is the twelfth year that Aflac and Macy’s are selling the annual plush duck, with all net proceeds going to support research and treatment for childhood cancer.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58454-aflac-macys-annual-holiday-duck-design-pediatric-cancer-patient-atlanta
A child’s inspirational artwork for a holiday card will drive awareness, donations and hope in the fight against childhood cancer as the centerpiece of a new digital holiday campaign launching today by Northwestern Mutual. The campaign, Share Unstoppable Happiness!, aims to raise up to $25,000 by Dec. 30 for Northwestern Mutual’s Childhood Cancer Program nonprofit partners, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and Starlight Children’s Foundation.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53665-northwestern-mutual-digital-holiday-campaign-to-fight-childhood-cancer
