Childhood/AYA Cancer

Being hospitalized for cancer can be a frightening experience for a child, but a friendly and approachable nurse can make all the difference.

TP53 was found to be the only gene with a germline de novo pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in pediatric patients with osteosarcoma, according to findings from the Children’s Oncology Group that were published in JCO Precision Oncology.

The FDA has granted an orphan drug designation and rare pediatric disease designation to the bispecific antibody nivatrotamab for the treatment of patients with neuroblastoma, according to an announcement from Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.

The FDA has granted a priority review to a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for crizotinib (Xalkori) in the treatment of pediatric patients with ALK-positive relapsed/refractory systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), according to an announcement from Pfizer, Inc.

There is currently no way to measure chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in pediatric patients, but a team of nurse researchers are developing a new tool to meet this need.

Blinatumomab (Blincyto) monotherapy as consolidation therapy prior to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) resulted a significant improvement in event-free survival (EFS) and a lower risk of recurrence in children with high-risk B-cell precursor (BCP­)–acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

The FDA’s Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee voted in favor of approving remestemcel-L for the treatment of children with steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease.

This research suggested the need for reassessment of the methods by which childhood cancer treatment delivery are approached during crises.

The FDA recently released guidelines expanding clinical trial eligibility for investigational cancer drugs for pediatric patients.

Following the arrival of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital launched the first Global COVID-19 Observatory and Resource Center for Childhood Cancer.

Pediatric precision oncology in a real-world, multinational setting is feasible. For the subgroup of children with very high priority level targets, the INFORM registry provided therapeutic opportunities and new diagnostic information.

Two researchers spoke about the recent FDA approval for this patient population, and what more needs to be done in the space.

The FDA approved selumetinib (Koselugo) to treat pediatric patients aged 2 years or older with neurofibromatosis type 1. This is the first-ever therapy approved for this rare genetic disorder, which causes tumors to grow on nerves.

Adolescent and young adult patients fall between the 2 age groups that clinicians are used to seeing, leading to gaps in care and poor outcomes.

Understanding nutritional status and patient cues is crucial in ensuring patients have the proper interventions and treatment plans.

Even if survivors of pediatric neuroblastoma received treatment before 1 year old, they are still at risk for cognitive issues years later.

Oncology nurses are a key part of the cancer care team, but they are also a crucial source of information for a patient's family.

Here are the top 5 Oncology Nursing News stories for July 2019.

Many adolescent and young adult cancer survivors struggle in the post-cancer period. Oncology nurses can help ensure that they don’t fall through the cracks.

Compared to the general population, survivors of childhood cancer who live 5 or more years from diagnosis are at a higher risk for skin cancer.

According to the MATCH trial, about a quarter of pediatric patients with cancer were able to be screened for targetable alterations in their tumor and directed to a treatment targeting that alteration.

Children with severe sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) from brain tumor treatment demonstrated greater reading difficulties compared with those who experienced mild or no hearing loss.

Here are the top 5 Oncology Nursing News stories for March 2019.

Man’s best friend may eventually be healthcare’s best friend.

When nurses speak to patients about fertility and family planning options, there are several things to keep in mind.

During last night’s State of the Union Address, President Donald J. Trump announced his plan to bolster the fight against childhood cancer, and to bring down prescription drug prices.

The FDA has approved dasatinib (Sprycel) tablets in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of pediatric patients ≥1 year of age with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Elizabeth Davis, BSN, RN, CPN, is inspired by the strength she sees in her small charges.

Children with pediatric posterior fossa tumors like medulloblastoma who are treated with radiotherapy may be less likely to recall specific details of events that occurred after treatment compared with events that happened before, according to study results published in the Journal of Neuroscience.