CAC2 Childhood Cancer Community News Digest (July 31-August 6)

High-Throughput drug screening of primary tumor cells identifies therapeutic strategies for treating children with high-risk cancer.

Epigenetically guided cancer therapy: Targeting H3K27me3 loss in pediatric brain tumors

The addition of blinatumomab (Blincyto) to chemotherapy did not improve overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) over chemotherapy alone among patients younger than 30 years old with low-risk, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in first relapse; however, the regimen did confer benefit in patients with bone marrow and/or extramedullary relapse.

The use of targeted therapies focusing on protein pathways in patients with pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG) has resulted in several impactful treatments and ongoing trials that have shown effectiveness and tolerability in a real-world setting.

The treatment of pediatric patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) has benefited from numerous advancements in survival outcomes, but there are pressing needs for better risk assessment and the use of targeted therapies in the frontline setting.

Upcoming Webinars, Online Opportunities, and Meetings:

On August 11, 2023, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET, NCI will host a pre-application webinar for RFA-CA-23-036 Mechanisms of Fusion-Driven Oncogenesis in Childhood Cancers (U01) and RFA-CA-23-037, Next Generation Chemistry Centers for Fusion Oncoproteins (UM1). Program directors will provide orientation and programmatic guidance to potential applicants by explaining the goals and objectives of these funding opportunities and answering questions from attendees. Click here to registration.

Triage Cancer will offer a webinar on School & Cancer: Going to College on August 24 at 1:00 ET about navigating college and cancer, including how to get help through accommodations, working with professors, and tips for a smooth transition from high school to college.  Learn more and register.

Zoefia Alexandria Green Heart Gala, beautiful night of elegance and celebration to raise funds and awareness for Childhood Cancer/ Brain Cancer, September 15 at 7:00 pm ET.  Learn more and register.

Take Action:

An invitation from CAC2 Member Mark Levine: “As I continue to try and raise awareness in the battle against Pediatric Cancer I want to once again thank all of you who have joined my HELP AND HOPE HAPPEN HERE Pediatric Cancer Facebook Group. . . . if any of you would like to come on to my show or know of someone who you think might want to share their story then please let me know. . . . you can email me at . I am also on Instagram and my “handle” ( if that is what you call it) is mark.levine.1654

Children’s Cancer Cause invites teen, young adult, and adult survivors of childhood cancers to participate in their 2023 survivor survey.

CIRM (California Institute of Regenerative Medicine) is a California state-funded organization to advance gene and cell therapies in California. The grant application (linked here) is specifically for an organization with a California operating license that provides Patient Support Services and could help patients and families access these trials.  A CAC2 Member would be happy to partner with any organization that may have an interest in this application.

Zach’s Bridge is looking for bereaved parents and caregivers to complete a survey to help families facing advanced pediatric cancer. The survey takes less than 5 minutes and will help improve the services that Zach’s Bridge Peers provide. Please share with your organizations and bereaved families you know. Take the survey

Pediatric Cancer legislation needs your support.  Learn more about how to support the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0, the Sawyer Finn ACT, Comprehensive Cancer Survivor Act, Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act,and the Give Kids a Chance Act.