St. Jude scientists added a small physical structure called an anchor domain to the CAR molecule. The anchor domain connects the CAR to the internal infrastructure of the immune cell. It augments and helps organize the immune synapse
Tag: Pediatric Cancer
International Collaboration to Improve Cancer Care in Sub-Saharan Africa Focuses on Resources for Children’s Cancers
NCCN is working on new NCCN Harmonized Guidelines™ for Sub-Saharan Africa, in collaboration with the African Cancer Coalition (ACC), the American Cancer Society (ACS), and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). The organizations are part of Allied Against Cancer, a global multi-sector effort to improve resource-stratified access to life-saving cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Mount Sinai Researchers Find New, Safer Treatment for Serious Side Effect of Bone Marrow Transplant
Researchers at The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai have identified a treatment that is effective and safer than the standard of care for a serious, and sometimes fatal, side effect of bone marrow transplant in cancer patients. Results from a phase 2 clinical trial were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in December.
Three of the world’s top research institutions join forces to drive progress against pediatric cancer
Large-scale collaboration will leverage each institution’s expertise and infrastructure to advance understanding of the biological basis of pediatric cancers, identify new vulnerabilities of these diseases and accelerate cures globally.

Rhombic lip implicated in origins of high-risk medulloblastoma
Scientists from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital found that group 3 and 4 medulloblastoma arise from the rhombic lip, knowledge that may help improve research models and therapeutic development.
To wipe childhood cancer off the map, scientists must chart its genomic landscape
Scientists at St. Jude sequenced more samples of the most common childhood cancer than ever before to fully characterize the potential mutations driving disease.
SAFER Ukraine provides a blueprint for responding to global health crises
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine created a dire situation for children with cancer and blood disorders. In response, the St. Jude Global initiative of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital banded together with international partners and formed SAFER Ukraine. An account appears in The Lancet Haematology.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Finds Differences in How Doctors, Caregivers and Patients Report Side Effects of Cancer Therapy
A recent study reveals differences in how in symptom toxicity is reported for children receiving cancer treatment in clinical trials. Doctors often underestimate or miss a child’s symptoms, while caregivers tend to overestimate symptoms.
Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s again named top pediatric cancer program
U.S. News &World Report has named Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center #1 in the nation in its 2022-23 Best Children’s Hospitals report. Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s has been recognized as one of the top three pediatric cancer centers in the country each year since the ranking’s inception, earning more #1 rankings than any other program.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles: 美国加州和太平洋地区最好的儿童护理机构
《美国新闻与世界报道》再次将 CHLA 评为其本州加利福尼亚州和美国太平洋地区(包括阿拉斯加州、加利福尼亚州、夏威夷州、俄勒冈州和华盛顿州)的最佳儿童医院。CHLA 还连续 14 年(自该排名诞生以来从未缺席)入选该刊年度“最佳儿童医院榜”——美国领先儿科机构权威榜单——最终名列第 8 位。
Emily Whitehead, First Pediatric Patient to Receive CAR T-Cell Therapy, Celebrates Cure 10 Years Later
Ten years ago, Tom and Kari Whitehead came to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) looking for a miracle. Their 6-year-old daughter, Emily, had relapsed in her battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), after many months of unsuccessful chemotherapy and a disease that had progressed so rapidly that she was ineligible for a bone marrow transplant to treat it. Her family came to CHOP in the hopes that Dr. Stephan Grupp, a pioneer in the field of cellular immunotherapy, could provide the miracle they were looking for.
Team TKC Captain Eli Manning Kicks Off Second Annual Virtual Race to Tackle Kids Cancer
#TeamTKC Captain Eli Manning Kicks Off Second Annual Virtual Race to Tackle Kids Cancer
Combining Two ‘Old Therapies’ Packs a Powerful Punch Against Pediatric Brain Tumors
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and Italy’s Catholic University of the Sacred Heart medical school have provided solid evidence that copper, the first metal used medicinally, may now have a new role — helping save children from a devastating central nervous system cancer known as medulloblastoma.
CHOP Researchers Develop a New Class of CAR-T Cells that Target Previously Untargetable Cancer Drivers
In a breakthrough for the treatment of aggressive solid cancers, researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have developed a novel cancer therapy that targets proteins inside cancer cells that are essential for tumor growth and survival but have been historically impossible to reach. Using the power of large data sets and advanced computational approaches, the researchers were able to identify peptides that are presented on the surface of tumor cells and can be targeted with “peptide-centric” chimeric antigen receptors (PC-CARs), a new class of engineered T cells, stimulating an immune response that eradicates tumors.
Cell-free DNA identifies early signs of relapse in pediatric medulloblastoma
Findings from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital show that cell-free DNA in cerebrospinal fluid can be used to detect measurable residual disease and identify patients at risk of relapse.
The Medical Minute: On the watch for pediatric cancers
No parent wants to hear the word “cancer.” Fortunately, few will, but it’s always smart to be attuned to signs that might warrant a further look. Two Penn State Health Children’s Hospital doctors discuss the warning signs.
International collaboration helps refine treatment for childhood leukemia
Results from a large phase 3 noninferiority clinical trial definitively showed that vincristine and dexamethasone pulses can be eliminated in patients with low-risk disease. The findings were published today in The Lancet Oncology.
Heated chemotherapy can help some children with cancer
Known as HIPEC, the therapy has been available for adults for years at Michigan Medicine. Now it’s an option for kids here, too.
Comprehensive clinical sequencing opens door to the promise of precision medicine
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital study highlights the power of comprehensive whole genome, whole exome and RNA sequencing to better understand and treat each patient’s cancer.

Scientists link frailty and neurocognitive decline in childhood cancer survivors
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital scientists have shown that frailty contributes to neurocognitive decline in young adult survivors of childhood cancer.
Melanoma registry results shine light on rare pediatric cancer
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital scientists created a registry for molecular analysis of pediatric melanoma that provides insight into treatment.
#TeamTKC Captain Eli Manning Helps Launch Inaugural Virtual 5K to Tackle Kids Cancer
#TeamTKC Captain Eli Manning Helps Launch Inaugural Virtual 5K to Tackle Kids Cancer

Low-calorie diet and mild exercise improve survival for young people with leukemia
A study led by researchers at UCLA and CHLA has shown that a combination of modest dietary changes and exercise can dramatically improve survival outcomes for those with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common childhood cancer.

Cecelia Calhoun Named Director of the Adolescent-Young Adult Sickle Cell Program at Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital
Cecelia Calhoun, MD, MSPH, MBA, has been appointed Assistant Professor of Medicine (Hematology) and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Hematology/Oncology) at Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital

ATRT molecular groups: looking at the biology from the clinic
Scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are learning more about what the molecular groups of a rare pediatric brain tumor mean for clinical care.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Awards More than $18.5 Million to Recipients of Crazy 8 Initiative to Advance Pediatric Cancer Research
In the spirit of growing scientific collaboration, grants will provide support for four projects across 15 research institutions using cutting-edge technology to address crucial issues in pediatric cancer research

Socioeconomic status plays a major role in cognitive outcomes
Childhood cancer and its treatment can result in cognitive struggles. St. Jude scientists are studying the risk factors.

New NCCN Guidelines Analyze Evidence for Cancer Type Found Almost Exclusively in Children
National Comprehensive Cancer Network publishes first-ever complete medical guidelines for a pediatric solid tumor, so children everywhere receive the best care based on the latest research. NCCN Guidelines for Wilms Tumor shares information for earlier, safer diagnosis and treatment in effort to reduce disparities; doctors warn of late diagnosis as a possible impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study reveals mutations that drive therapy-related myeloid neoplasms in children
Research from scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital found mutations up to two years before cancer developed, showing an opportunity for early interventions.

From the clinic to the lab, understanding medulloblastoma relies on molecular profiling
A pair of research papers from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital report on a medulloblastoma clinical trial that provides insights to guide treatment and shed light on relapsed disease.
CHOP Researchers Find NTRK Fusions More Common than Expected in Pediatric Tumors
In a large study of pediatric cancer patients, researchers from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have analyzed the frequency, fusion partners, and clinical outcome of neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) fusions, which are clinical biomarkers that identify patients suitable for treatment with FDA-approved TRK inhibitors. The researchers found that NTRK fusions are more common in pediatric tumors and also involve a wider range of tumors than adult cancers, information that could help prioritize screening for NTRK fusions in pediatric cancer patients who might benefit from treatment with TRK inhibitors.

Hackensack Meridian Health’s Tackle Kids Cancer Celebrates Five Years of Support to Fight Pediatric Cancer and Raises more than $10 Million
Philanthropic initiative of the Children’s Cancer Institute, reaches five year milestone combatting pediatric cancer

Studying Patterns of Relapse in Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma using a Response-Based Therapy Approach
Recent research from Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey expert as part of a phase 3 study from the Children’s Oncology Group explores response-based consolidation with modern radiation therapy as safe and effective standard of care for pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma patients. This work is being presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) this week.

Tumor DNA in Spinal Fluid Could Help Doctors Better Monitor Childhood Brain Cancer
Researchers have demonstrated that a new liquid biopsy approach overcomes traditional barriers to quickly and efficiently diagnose and monitor high-grade pediatric gliomas.

New Guidelines for Maximizing Cures and Minimizing Side Effects in Children with Hodgkin Lymphoma
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network announces publication of new NCCN Guidelines for Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma, one of the most curable forms of pediatric cancer. They synthesize the latest evidence and expert-consensus to make sure every child receives appropriate, but not excessive, treatment.
UChicago bioinformatics team to create data infrastructure for global pediatric cancer initiative
The University of Chicago Pediatric Cancer Data Commons and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society are working together to bring precision medicine to children and young adults with acute leukemia.
$500,000 gift supports worldwide effort to harness pediatric cancer data to advance treatment for children
Family looks to the ‘bright side’ by creating a charity to support pediatric cancer research and providing UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital with $500,000 gift.
New Treatment Developed by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Shows Success in High-Risk Solid Tumors
In a breakthrough study, researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have shown that an enhanced treatment developed in their lab leads to long-term remissions in 80% to 100% of mice with drug-resistant or high-risk solid tumors. The research, which could soon lead to clinical trials, is described in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Brain Cancer: UVA IDs Gene Responsible for Deadly Glioblastoma
The discovery of the oncogene responsible for glioblastoma could be the brain tumor’s Achilles’ heel, one researcher says.

Tackle Kids Cancer Receives $250,000 Gift from Sohn Conference Foundation to Benefit Pediatric Cancer and Patient Care at Hackensack Meridian Health
Foundation receives generous donation from corporate partner to combat pediatric cancer and benefit patient care

St. Jude Cloud portal expands access to treasure trove of pediatric solid tumor data
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital develops the Childhood Solid Tumor Network data portal to speed discoveries and novel therapies for treatment of childhood solid tumors

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital president, CEO recognized for contributions to cancer research
The American Association for Cancer Research honored St. Jude President and CEO James R. Downing, M.D., with its inaugural AACR-St. Baldrick’s Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement in Pediatric Cancer Research.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Ranked No. 1 Children’s Hospital in the Western U.S., No. 5 Nationally for Second Straight Year
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) ranks again among the nation’s premier destinations for pediatric care, according to the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals annual list released today. Hospital retains national No. 5 ranking and is highest scoring children’s hospital in Western United States.

MSK Kids Study: Children with Cancer are Not at a Higher Risk for COVID-19 Infection or Morbidity
Researches from MSK Kids at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) found that children with cancer are not at a higher risk of being affected by COVID-19.
Angiotensin Hormone’s Protective Effects Could Improve Cancer Treatment
Article title: Angiotensin-(1–7) reduces doxorubicin-induced cardiac dysfunction in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats through antioxidant mechanisms Authors: Omeed Rahimi, Jay Kirby, Jasmina Varagic, Brian Westwood, E. Ann Tallant, Patricia E. Gallagher From the authors: “[Angiotensin]-(1–7) is a clinically safe peptide hormone with cardioprotective…

Inherited mutation can predispose children to a type of brain tumor
Collaboration co-led by researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital discovers a novel predisposition gene in pediatric medulloblastoma.

Targeting a transporter to treat SHH medulloblastoma
Scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have identified a novel target for a type of pediatric brain tumor.

Post-diagnosis disparities drive poorer outcomes for pediatric Black and Hispanic brain cancer patients
Of 1,881 patients under age 19 diagnosed with cancers of the brain and central nervous system between 2000 and 2015, 52 percent of White patients lived five years from diagnosis, whereas only 44 percent of African American patients and 45 percent of Hispanic patients reached a similar milestone.

Pediatric Oncologist Ching-Hon Pui, M.D., receives Medal of Honor from the American Cancer Society
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital pediatrician and researcher is honored for significant contributions to the advancement and impact of global collective efforts to save more lives from childhood cancer.

Combination Drug Therapy For Childhood Brain Tumors Shows Promise In Laboratory Models
In experiments with human cells and mice, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center report evidence that combining the experimental cancer medication TAK228 (also called sapanisertib) with an existing anti-cancer drug called trametinib may be more effective than either drug alone in decreasing the growth of pediatric low-grade gliomas. These cancers are the most common childhood brain cancer, accounting for up to one-third of all cases. Low grade pediatric gliomas arise in brain cells (glia) that support and nourish neurons, and current standard chemotherapies with decades-old drugs, while generally effective in lengthening life, often carry side effects or are not tolerated. Approximately 50% of children treated with traditional therapy have their tumors regrow, underscoring the need for better, targeted treatments.