Clinical Trials for Pediatric Cancer Treatments

What is new in childhood cancer treatment?

We’re seeing some interesting developments happening in pediatric cancer treatment:

Immunotherapy: It has shown potential in treating pediatric cancers by leveraging the body’s immune system to target cancer cells.

Precision Medicine: Tailoring treatments based on the genetic makeup of tumors has gained traction. Identifying specific genetic mutations allows for targeted therapies, potentially reducing side effects and improving outcomes.

Reducing Side Effects: Efforts are ongoing to minimize the long-term side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Researchers are exploring novel therapies with fewer adverse effects on growing bodies.

Targeted Therapies: They aim to block specific molecular pathways of cancer driving tumor growth.

Collaborative Research: Collaborations among institutions, researchers, and international consortia have accelerated the development of new treatments and clinical trials.

How Massive Bio can help kids with cancer?
Massive Bio is working as key members team for kids with cancer:

Clinical Trial Matching: Our service helps identify innovative treatments that may be more effective or have fewer side effects than standard options. We specialize in matching pediatric cancer patients with suitable clinical trials.

Personalized Treatment Options: We utilize AI to create personalized treatment plans based on a child’s unique medical profile. This approach may offer targeted therapies tailored to their specific cancer type and genetic makeup.

Access to Experts: The platform connects families with oncology experts who specialize in pediatric cancers. This access ensures that families receive guidance from specialists who understand the nuances and complexities of treating childhood cancers.

Navigating Complexities: Managing pediatric cancer can be overwhelming. Massive Bio supports families by providing guidance, resources, and information to navigate the complexities of treatment decisions and available options. If your child is suitable for a clinical trial, we can make this process seamless.

Continual Support: Massive Bio provides ongoing support, helping families stay informed about the potential opportunities for their child’s care. We also provide concierge services for children who will be enrolling in clinical trials. It includes lodging, accommodation and travel expenses.

Let’s Learn About Childhood Cancer

Pediatric cancer refers to cancer that develops in children and adolescents, typically under the age of 18. The most common types of pediatric cancers include:

Hematologic cancers:

• Leukemias (cancers of the blood)
• Lymphomas (lymph nodes cancer)

Solid Tumors:

• Brain tumors
• Neuroblastoma (immature nerve cell cancer)
• Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
• Wilms tumor (kidney cancer), among others.

Pediatric cancers can differ from adult cancers. They encompass different types of cancers that vary their behavior and response to treatment. Research shows that survival rates for many pediatric cancers have improved significantly in recent years. However, they remain a significant health concern.

What is an NGS test? Is it important?

NGS stands for Next-Generation Sequencing, a DNA sequencing technology. It quickly reads millions of DNA pieces together, giving a full look at a person’s genes. They provide detailed genetic information about the cancer cells, allowing for more personalized and targeted approaches to therapy.

It can help us identify genetic biomarkers. These are specific genetic mutations within cancer cells that can recognize the type of cancer and guide treatment decisions. For instance, certain genetic mutations might indicate a better response to a particular therapy.

NGS testing is considered part of the standard of care of most cancer types. Discuss this with your child’s oncologist to maximize their possibilities to participate in a clinical trial of interest.

Did you know about ALK-positive solid tumors in children?

Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) fusion-positive solid tumors can happen in specific types of cancers. The most recognized ALK positive tumors in pediatric patients include:

Rhabdomyosarcoma: Is an aggressive type of tumor that arises from soft tissues in the body (muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and fat). They are the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in childhood, making up half of all such diagnoses in kids. They can manifest anywhere in the body and early symptoms may include swelling or a lump that doesn’t go away.

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor (IMT): Is a rare type of cancer characterized by the abnormal growth of certain cells within the body and inflammation. It tends to occur in children and represents 20 percent of all primary lung tumors in this age group. Patients can present with a mass or symptoms including cough, chest pain, abdominal pain, malaise, fever, and weight loss. This disease most commonly affects the lungs, abdomen, pelvis, and retroperitoneum, although it may involve any site.

Neuroblastoma: Is a type of tumor that predominantly affects children and arises from cells of the sympathetic nervous system. Neuroblastoma primarily affects the adrenal glands but may occur in the abdominal, thoracic, cervical, and pelvic sympathetic ganglia. Its clinical behavior is variable, ranging from spontaneous regression to aggressive metastatic disease.

Glial Tumors (Low and high grade): Are a diverse group of tumors that arise from cells in the nervous system and usually occur in children and young adults. Experts categorize these tumors broadly into low-grade and high-grade based on their aggressiveness.

About treatment for pediatric tumors: standard vs. novel therapies

The standard treatments typically include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and sometimes stem cell transplants. The exact treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. They aim to eliminate cancer while considering the child’s well-being. Emerging therapies such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies resent the forefront of pediatric cancer research.

Clinical trials are essential for evaluating the safety and efficacy of these therapies in children and adolescents with cancer. They offer hope for better treatments, improved outcomes, and the advancement of medical knowledge. They provide a pathway to potentially more effective and tailored therapies for children fighting cancer.

By signing up for our matching program, you’re taking an active role in exploring new possibilities and gaining access to an innovative therapy that can potentially transform your life.