Childhood cancer survivors are 7 times more likely to experience cardiac dysfunction at some point in their lives than other children. Harsh treatments from some types of high-dose chemotherapy and radiation therapy increase their risk of having an irregular heartbeat, weakening the heart muscle and even hardening of the arteries.
This is one of the many reasons why childhood cancer research is so important—cures should not come at the cost of heart health.
The first signs of Wilms’ tumor—a painless swelling in the abdomen, blood in the urine, belly pain, high blood pressure or fevers—often seem to be symptoms of something much less scary. A pediatrician will recommend an abdominal ultrasound and then a diagnosis will be made. Treatment, which typically includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, begins.
Gone are the days of just chemotherapy and radiation. Today’s researchers and oncologists are combining the traditional tools with cutting-edge biological medicine, genetic analysis and novel therapeutics in the labs and clinics.
Childhood cancer researchers are working hard towards better treatments and more cures every single day. Here are five trends in research today:
The process of bringing an idea from the lab to clinical trial can take years. Researchers are not only required to prove the effectiveness of their science, they also need to get FDA approval to provide an experimental therapy to actual patients. On top of all this, researchers also must ensure that their home hospital has the correct infrastructure in place to administer a clinical trial.
After three years of treatment for neuroblastoma, Elijah Talley had exhausted options at his hometown hospital. Diagnosed when he was just 4 years old, Elijah went through the endless cycle of treatment and relapse, again and again. Conventional treatments, which included high dose chemotherapy, radiation and a stem cell transplant, failed.
Breakthroughs and cures for childhood cancer are only possible through comprehensive, cutting-edge research performed by the best minds in pediatric oncology. Each year, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) provides grants to these oncology superstars—ensuring the future of research will mean safer treatments and more cures for children.
It all starts with what seems to be normal pain and a bump.
To a parent, their child is just complaining about something painful on their arm, leg or pelvis. The pain worsens. The bump lingers. And after many visits to the doctor, a diagnosis is finally made—Ewing’s sarcoma, the second most common type of childhood bone cancer.
Every time you make a donation for a cup of Alex’s Lemonade, you are moving researchers closer to breakthroughs. Since our beginnings, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation has been dedicated to funding innovative, cutting-edge childhood cancer research. With your support, we’ve funded over 690 research grants since 2005!
Grayson was a witty, intelligent kid who loved playing in his band, Minecraft, board games and so much more. He was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma and after 23 months of treatment, sadly passed away.
