Archive for cancer
Targeted small-molecule agent shows early promise against a dangerous infant leukemia
Leukemias involving reshuffling or rearrangement of the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene, known as MLL-rearranged or MLL-r leukemias, account for 70 to 80 percent of acute leukemias in infants under one year old. In these blood cancers, a subset of acute myeloid and acute lymphoid leukemias (AML and ALL), the MLL gene breaks and reattaches ... Read More about Targeted small-molecule agent shows early promise against a dangerous infant leukemia
A big step toward curbing graft-vs.-host disease after bone marrow transplant
A drug used for rheumatoid arthritis has moved a step closer to FDA approval for a desperately needed new use. The drug, abatacept, has gained FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for preventing acute, severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in patients receiving bone marrow transplants. That could help fast-track the drug to the clinic. “If we are lucky ... Read More about A big step toward curbing graft-vs.-host disease after bone marrow transplant
Unlocking a treatment for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a highly aggressive and one of the most difficult-to-treat childhood tumors. It’s the second most common malignant brain tumor, as well as the leading cause of brain tumor death among children. “It’s essentially 100 percent fatal,” says Katherine Warren, MD, clinical director for Pediatric Neuro-Oncology at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and ... Read More about Unlocking a treatment for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Kaitlyn begins road to recovery after foot amputation
At just 14 years old, Kaitlyn Vu was asked to accept a drastic, life-altering surgery. In early 2019, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma — a rare type of bone cancer that ultimately led to the amputation of her left foot. Kaitlyn’s ability to meet each challenge of her diagnosis with a combination of grace and perseverance has ... Read More about Kaitlyn begins road to recovery after foot amputation
Life with Li-Fraumeni syndrome
On the first day of school, 16-year-old Darcey Boucher carefully laid out what she was wearing: black jeans, a white T-shirt, black sweatshirt, white Vans — and her wig. Darcey has osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. She had surgery in May to remove the tumor from her leg. And now, she is on ... Read More about Life with Li-Fraumeni syndrome
While enjoying college, Ewing sarcoma survivor looks to her past
It lacks sunsets and skylines, but Maddie Carlson loves the view from her dorm room at Emmanuel College in Boston. If the 20-year-old junior sticks her head out the window at just the right angle, she can almost make out a portion of the place she credits for saving her life after she was diagnosed ... Read More about While enjoying college, Ewing sarcoma survivor looks to her past
Most parents of children with advanced cancer don’t recognize their low chance of cure
End-of-life care for children with advanced cancer is often very intensive, and can cause much suffering. When parents recognize that a cure is unlikely, they often choose to spare their children from aggressive treatments and focus on the quality of their child’s remaining time. But a study published Oct. 4 in the journal Cancer finds ... Read More about Most parents of children with advanced cancer don’t recognize their low chance of cure
How families are reshaping Shwachman-Diamond syndrome research
No one knew the heartache about to unfold when Savannah and Brett Lillywhite first began thinking about having a family 10 years ago. The Lillywhites Savannah and Brett are both the unlikely carriers of a rare condition called Shwachman-Diamond syndrome — SDS for short — a blood disorder that can lead to bone marrow failure ... Read More about How families are reshaping Shwachman-Diamond syndrome research
Teen cancer survivor rediscovers her confidence with prosthesis
At just 18 years old, Gabbi Stewart is a two-time survivor of two very different types of cancer. While her care team acted quickly to aggressively treat her most recent cancer, Stewart was faced with what she says was her greatest challenge: building back the self-confidence that the disease had eroded. A rare diagnosis In ... Read More about Teen cancer survivor rediscovers her confidence with prosthesis
Hope in the shadow of Li-Fraumeni syndrome
Jake was diagnosed with his first cancer — osteosarcoma — in 2007 when he was only 16 years old. Meanwhile, his mom was being treated for recurrent cancer and his brother also would soon be diagnosed with cancer. Within the space of a few years, all three family members had died. This was not the ... Read More about Hope in the shadow of Li-Fraumeni syndrome