CC Community News Digest (October 5-11)

Assorted news from the last week:

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have genetically modified human NKT cells with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that enables them to specifically recognize and attack neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer.

In a recent Journal of Clinical Oncology article, members from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) expressed the need for trial sponsors to coordinate their submissions of initial pediatric study plans (iPSP) and pediatric investigation plans (PIP) with regulatory authorities in order to facilitate pediatric cancer drug development.

Researchers from the precision medicine Zero Childhood Cancer Program in Australia said they were able to use tumor and germline whole-genome sequencing (WGS), RNA sequencing, and methylome analysis to elucidate the molecular basis of tumors from high-risk pediatric patients, leading to some patients being able to receive targeted therapies.

In Uganda, 70% of cancer victims among children, do not see a doctor because their parents kept them at home purporting that they are bewitched.

Upcoming webinars and Online Opportunities:

Clouds centering on the life of Zach Sobiech debuts on Disney+ on Oct. 16.  Read the back story and get CAC2 Member Laura Sobiech’s perspective on making the movie of Zach’s life, and view the trailer.

 Neuroblastoma Parent Global Symposium on November 6th and 7th, 2020 offers a free, online, 2-day event that will bring together families directly affected by neuroblastoma around the world with those who work to treat, help and support them.  Researchers and clinicians will lead sessions to provide information on current treatments around the world and share emerging therapies. Registration is now open to reserve a space for this free event!

SIOP 2019 Webcasts are now available online for free.