Kimryn Rathmell: The many ways National Cancer Institute is making a difference in childhood cancer

Kimryn Rathmell shared a post on X:

“Childhood Cancer Awareness Month may be coming to an end, but the work to end Childhood Cancer must continue.

Have a look at promising areas of Cancer Research and the many ways National Cancer Institute is making a difference in childhood cancer.”

The article, ‘Why Research is Critical to Progress against Childhood Cancer‘, shared by Dr. Rathmell discusses the critical need for enhanced research efforts in childhood cancer, which remains the leading cause of disease-related death among children in the United States. Despite advancements in treating some childhood cancers over the past fifty years, many types still lack effective therapies, and survivors often face long-term health issues due to their treatments.

Key Points from the Article:

• Need for Research: The article emphasizes that further research is essential to develop new, safer treatments for childhood cancers. Current infrastructure must enable researchers to learn from every child’s experience with cancer.
• NCI’s Role: The NCI has implemented several programs targeting childhood cancers, focusing on basic research to understand cancer mechanisms, clinical trials for new treatments, and survivorship studies to mitigate long-term effects.
• Challenges in Research: Childhood cancers are rare, making it difficult to conduct large-scale studies. The article highlights the importance of collaboration among cancer centers and the need for efficient data sharing to address these challenges.
• Genetic Factors: Most childhood cancers arise from genetic changes that lead to uncontrolled cell growth. However, many of these genetic alterations remain unexplained, complicating prevention efforts.
• Innovative Treatments: The article discusses promising areas of research such as immunotherapies and molecularly targeted therapies. These approaches aim to harness the immune system or target specific molecular changes in cancer cells.
• NCI Initiatives: Various NCI initiatives are mentioned, including the Pediatric MATCH trial, which explores targeted therapies based on genetic mutations in tumors, and the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI), which aims to collect and analyze data on childhood cancers comprehensively.
• Future Directions: The article calls for continued investment in pediatric cancer research to improve treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects for young patients. It also stresses the importance of tailoring treatments specifically for children rather than using adult therapies.

Source: Kimryn Rathmell/X

Dr. Kimryn Rathmell is a distinguished leader and researcher in the field of kidney cancer. Specializing in the research and treatment of complex and hereditary kidney cancers. She has held leadership positions with organizations such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society for Clinical Investigation, she has been elected to esteemed academies including the Association of American Physicians, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Medicine.Currently serving as the director of the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Rathmell continues to lead research initiatives and advance the understanding and treatment of kidney cancer, ultimately improving the lives of patients worldwide.