Archive for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Preventing ‘chemo brain’ with antioxidants targeting the spinal fluid
Up to three-quarters of patients receiving cancer chemotherapy suffer from “chemo brain” — a side effect that makes it harder to remember things, maintain attention, and learn new information. When it strikes children, whose brains are still developing, effects are sometimes long lasting, affecting their schoolwork and self-esteem. “One of the most distressing potential side ... Read More about Preventing ‘chemo brain’ with antioxidants targeting the spinal fluid
Exploiting a vulnerability in an aggressive leukemia
Survival has improved greatly in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). But a certain form of ALL that occurs mostly in babies is still very lethal, with a survival rate below 50 percent: B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with rearrangements of the mixed lineage leukemia gene, or MLL B-ALL. “Something about the biology of this type ... Read More about Exploiting a vulnerability in an aggressive leukemia
CAR T-cell therapy helps young hockey fan ice pediatric leukemia
Due to COVID-19, Ava Girolimetti wasn’t sure if she would be starting middle school this year in a classroom, on a computer screen, or a combination of both. But thanks to CAR T-cell therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), she knew she would be there cancer-free. The rising sixth grader can make this claim as ... Read More about CAR T-cell therapy helps young hockey fan ice pediatric leukemia
Stem cell transplant leads Ali to remission, and a new home
The journey that led Ali Mercy to Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s began in 2010, when Ali was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). At that time, he was treated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where his family lived. Chemotherapy initially put Ali’s ALL into remission, but three years later, it returned — this time having metastasized to ... Read More about Stem cell transplant leads Ali to remission, and a new home
Survivors of childhood cancer are living longer
Childhood cancer survivorship has improved dramatically over the past 50 years as new therapies have been discovered. Today, more than 80 percent of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer can expect to live five years or more. But what about long term? An analysis led by Jennifer Yeh, PhD, of Boston Children’s Hospital and Lisa ... Read More about Survivors of childhood cancer are living longer
Landmark moment for science as the FDA approves a gene therapy for the first time
Today, the Food and Drug Administration approved a gene therapy known as CAR T-cell therapy that genetically modifies a patient’s own cells to help them combat pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common childhood cancer. It is the first gene therapy to be approved by the FDA. “This represents the progression of the field of gene ... Read More about Landmark moment for science as the FDA approves a gene therapy for the first time