Research
In high-risk neuroblastoma, two stem cell transplants may be better than one
Since the early 1990s, chemotherapy followed by an autologous stem cell transplant has been the standard of care for high-risk neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer that starts in nerve cells outside the brain, especially in the tissues of the adrenal glands, and sometimes the neck, chest, or pelvis. Before children receive chemotherapy to destroy the neuroblastoma, ... Read More about In high-risk neuroblastoma, two stem cell transplants may be better than one
Research
Pioneering microbiome findings shed light on aspiration
When children have respiratory infections, clinicians tend to blame gastroesophageal reflux, based on the assumption that bacteria-laden stomach contents rise into the mouth and are then aspirated. As a result, clinicians often recommend a type of anti-reflux surgery called fundoplication to treat these infections. Yet, despite undergoing this procedure, many patients don’t improve. A new ... Read More about Pioneering microbiome findings shed light on aspiration
Our Community
A lifetime of care: Looking back with nurse Donna Morash
On August 30, Donna Morash, a registered nurse in the Boston Children’s Hospital Advanced Fetal Care Center (AFCC), will retire after 46 years of service to families. We asked her to share some of her favorite memories from her career at Boston Children’s. Why did you originally choose to work at Boston Children’s? I was ... Read More about A lifetime of care: Looking back with nurse Donna Morash
Research
New insights on medulloblastoma from single-cell sequencing
Medulloblastoma, a malignant tumor in the cerebellum, is one of the most common malignant brain cancers in children. Survival rates range from 20 to 90 percent, depending on the genetic subtype. There are at least four: WNT and Sonic Hedgehog (named for the signaling pathways that drive them), Group 3, and Group 4. Group 3 ... Read More about New insights on medulloblastoma from single-cell sequencing
Our Community
Meet Sylvia, the ‘calm before the storm’ of cardiac surgery
I’ve been here for 21 years — first in the Department of Cardiology and now in the Department of Cardiac Surgery. I’m the administrative assistant for Drs. Emani and Kaza, but I do a little of everything. With 10 surgeons and four assistants, we all help each other out. In person, I call some of the doctors by their first names — ... Read More about Meet Sylvia, the ‘calm before the storm’ of cardiac surgery
Patient Stories
Making up for lost time: Living with esophageal atresia
Whether he’s riding his dirt bike, learning how to swim, playing with his dogs and cats, or herding the chickens and goats on his family’s farm, Landen Spry loves staying active and being outside. “He’s making up for lost time,” says his mother, Jolene. She isn’t exaggerating. During his young life, he’s spent nearly a ... Read More about Making up for lost time: Living with esophageal atresia
Research
Novel CRISPR system could halt growth of triple-negative breast cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), lacking estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors, has the highest mortality rate of all breast cancers. It more frequently strikes women under age 50, African American women, and women carrying a BRCA1 gene mutation. The highly aggressive, frequently metastatic cancer is in urgent need of more effective targeted therapeutics. A new tumor-targeted ... Read More about Novel CRISPR system could halt growth of triple-negative breast cancer
Clinical Care
Urodynamics testing: What to expect
If your child has been diagnosed with a colorectal or pelvic malformation, they may also experience urological problems such as vesicoureteral reflux, hydronephrosis, or neurogenic bladder. These conditions can make it difficult to store or empty urine properly, leading to incontinence and accidents. “For these reasons, a urologist is often involved in the care of ... Read More about Urodynamics testing: What to expect
Patient Stories
Endocrine-oncology treatment helps teen with rare genetic condition
Felicia Walbridge has long been interested in biomedical engineering and plans on majoring in the field during college. Until recently, the teenager’s experience in this area was limited primarily to reruns of the TV show “Grey’s Anatomy.” Then, with little warning, Walbridge became the star of her very own medical drama — complete with a ... Read More about Endocrine-oncology treatment helps teen with rare genetic condition
Research
Exploring targeted treatments for children with low-grade brain tumors
Children diagnosed with low-grade astrocytomas, the most common type of pediatric brain tumor, have close to 90 percent overall survival rates. However, the growth of the tumors, as well as the standard treatments (neurosurgery and chemotherapy) required to control them, can cause serious side effects, including damaging developing brains and bodies. Researchers at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood ... Read More about Exploring targeted treatments for children with low-grade brain tumors