Pediatric cancer research is continuously evolving, with new treatments and clinical trials offering hope for better outcomes. Here are some of the latest advancements and ongoing clinical trials in pediatric cancer treatment:

New Treatments

1. CAR T-Cell Therapy
   • Description: CAR T-cell therapy involves modifying a patient’s T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. This therapy has shown promise in treating certain types of leukemia and lymphoma in children.
   • Examples: Tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah) is an FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
   • Sources: National Cancer Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
2. Targeted Therapy
   • Description: Targeted therapies focus on specific genetic mutations or proteins that are involved in cancer cell growth and survival.
   • Examples: Larotrectinib (Vitrakvi) and entrectinib (Rozlytrek) are targeted therapies approved for treating cancers with NTRK gene fusions, including some pediatric cancers.
   • Sources: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute
3. Immunotherapy
   • Description: Immunotherapy enhances the body’s immune response to fight cancer. It includes treatments like checkpoint inhibitors, which block proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells.
   • Examples: Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo) are being investigated for use in pediatric cancers.
   • Sources: National Cancer Institute, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Clinical Trials

1. Pediatric MATCH Trial
   • Description: This precision medicine trial matches children and adolescents with relapsed or refractory cancers to targeted therapies based on the genetic mutations in their tumors.
   • Sponsor: National Cancer Institute
   • ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03155620
   • Sources: National Cancer Institute
2. NANT (New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy) Consortium Trials
   • Description: These trials are focused on developing and testing new treatments for high-risk neuroblastoma.
   • Examples: Trials investigating the efficacy of new drug combinations, immunotherapies, and targeted therapies for neuroblastoma.
   • ClinicalTrials.gov: Various trials under NANT
   • Sources: Children's Hospital Los Angeles
3. HERBY Trial
   • Description: This trial is investigating the use of bevacizumab (Avastin) in combination with radiation therapy and temozolomide for treating high-grade glioma in children.
   • ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01390948
   • Sources: European Society for Medical Oncology

Conclusion

New treatments and clinical trials are continuously advancing the field of pediatric oncology, offering innovative therapies and hope for improved outcomes. Patients and their families should consult with their healthcare providers to explore participation in clinical trials and access cutting-edge treatments.

Further Reading

• National Cancer Institute: Pediatric Cancer Treatment
• Children's Oncology Group: Clinical Trials
• American Cancer Society: Childhood Cancer Research
• ClinicalTrials.gov

These resources provide comprehensive information on new treatments and clinical trials available for pediatric cancer patients.