CAC2 Childhood Cancer Community News Digest (June 6-12)

Assorted News from Last Week:

The Coalition Against Childhood Cancer is pleased to announce the 2022 Annual Summit hosted by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and presented by Day One Biopharmaceuticals.  This annual event reflects the CAC2 values and mission by providing top-notch educational programming, designing multiple opportunities for members to connect and engage, and showcasing the ongoing work of our members who are working for a future without childhood cancers.

CAC2 Supporting Organization Member Day One Biopharmaceuticals mid-stage data show an overall response rate of 64% and clinical benefit rate of 91% in the first 22 evaluable patients treated with monotherapy tovorafenib in a single agent trial for pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG).

Dual targeted therapy with a BRAF and MEK inhibitor quadrupled responses in pediatric BRAF-mutant low-grade glioma and reduced risk of disease progression or death compared with standard chemotherapy, a phase II study demonstrated.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology met last week.  This article notes some of the bigger breakthroughs and announcements.  They are not specifically related to childhood cancer, but provide some possible big turning points that could be developing.

Similarly, a drug currently used in just 1% of cancers has significant potential against the remaining 99%, according to a new study. Ivosidenib, or AG-120, is currently used against cancers that have a mutation in the IDH1 gene. However, study results show that Ivosidenib is also effective against unmutated, or ‘wild-type’ IDH1. The protein coded by the IDH1 gene in cancers helps cancer cells survive in a stressful tumor environment, so any inhibitor medication that could weaken this defense mechanism is considered a promising therapy.

And this from comparative oncology: an inhaled immunotherapy successfully treated cancer in some companion dogs as part of a clinical trial conducted by oncology and veterinary researchers. Results show potential for fighting cancer in humans as well.

The Cancer Trends Progress Report, continually updated since its first issue in 2001, summarizes our nation’s advances against cancer in relation to Healthy People targets set forth by the Department of Health and Human Services. The report, intended for policy makers, researchers, and public health professionals, includes key measures of progress along the cancer control continuum and uses national trend data to illustrate where improvements have been made and where attention is demanded.

Upcoming Webinars, Online Opportunities, and Meetings:

Prime Stage for bringing awareness to childhood cancer and inspiring youth with their upcoming youth production based on Alex Scott (inspiration for CAC2 Member Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation), The Amazing Lemonade Girl, June 16-19 in Pittsburgh, PA.  The play, based on a book by Liz and Jay Scott, shows how a single person can change the world one act, or even one cup at a time.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will host a free virtual education program for families and caregivers of pediatric blood cancer patients on June 15 at 5:00 CDT. Participants will learn about immunotherapy options for children with Leukemia and Lymphoma. Participants will gain a better understanding about some of the most recent innovations in treating the most common leukemias and lymphomas of childhood. Attendees will be introduced to the field of immunotherapy in cancer treatment and gain insight into how novel therapies are conceived, tested and approved.  Registration link.

Children’s Cancer Cause is hosting a virtual externally-led Patient-Focused Drug Development (PFDD) meeting on Reducing Cardiac Late Effects in Pediatric Cancer Survivors, on September 15, 2022. The conference is an opportunity for survivors and caregivers to educate representatives of the FDA, academic researchers, and pharmaceutical companies about their personal experiences managing the impact of cardiac late effects on daily living and long-term health.  Registration link.

Take Action:

Children’s Cancer Cause has established an annual award, the Survivorship Champion’s Prize, to be presented to a group, program or institution making significant advances in programs and services to provide life-long health maintenance for survivors of pediatric cancers.  These awards recognize the importance of the unique challenges associated with the post-treatment services for survivors, especially as they transition to non-oncology adolescent and/or adult health care services.  This year, there are awards in two categories (click here for more information and to apply):

• Champion’s Prize Award: $10,000
• Recognition Awards for 1) Program Impact; 2) Collaboration; and 3) Scalability: $5,000 each

During June, on Childhood Cancer International social media wants to share stories, testimonials and activities regarding childhood cancer survivorship. If you have content that would like to share with us please send it to .