Medulloblastoma is one of the most common malignant brain tumors in children, with cases tending to surface around ages 4 or 5. Currently, the treatment protocol is resection of as much of the tumor as can be done safely, followed by concurrent radiation therapy and chemotherapy, according to Mustafa Barbour, M.D., pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Norton…
There are many types and subtypes of brain tumors in children, and heterogeneity is common among tumors with similar morphology, according to Mustafa Barbour, M.D., pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. Dr. Barbour is co-director of the Norton Children’s Cancer Institute Neuro-oncology Clinic. Many brain tumors in…
Survivors of the most common childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), need long-term monitoring for obesity and other ongoing health consequences of their disease and treatment. “The etiology of obesity among ALL survivors is not fully understood, but the primary tumor, hypothalamic-pituitary axis damage from cranial radiation or chemotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and genetics all may…
Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), accounts for 40% of all NHL cases in the United States. This high-grade, fast-growing form of lymphoma starts in the immune system’s B cells and has a doubling time of 24 to 48 hours. It affects children of all ages, but it is most common in…
The five-year survival rate for children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has reached about 90% with chemotherapy. Clinicians increasingly are turning to immunotherapy for relapsed/refractory B-cell ALL (B-ALL). Immunotherapy harnesses the innate power of the body’s own immune system to destroy cancer cells. “It may be early to know definitively the full implications…
Pediatricians can help with early detection of childhood leukemia during routine visits. Even though a patient’s signs and symptoms may appear vague, mild or suggestive of more common health conditions, they shouldn’t be ignored. In some cases, doctors reported that ordering a simple blood test led to a cancer diagnosis that otherwise could have remained…
A low-toxicity myeloablative conditioning regimen is safe and effective in treating high-risk leukemias, particularly myeloid disease, according to a study recently published in the journal Pediatric Blood & Cancer. Conventional myeloablative conditioning is effective at reducing the risk of a relapse in pediatric hematologic malignancy patients who are undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT)….
Brain tumors are now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among children. Year after year, Kentucky ranks among states with the highest incidence of children with brain tumors, and Kentucky currently ranks third in the nation. At Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, our goal is to be able to…
The most effective way to optimize patient care revolves around a combination of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, social workers and case managers. Members of the team work together to help with decision-making in each child’s care. Having a team follow the patient over their treatment course improves patient continuity and patient experience. Not only…
Norton Cancer Institute’s clinical research program was developed to ensure that cancer patients in our community and region have access to evolving clinical science. Guided by an experienced cadre of physicians and supported by a team of clinical research nurses and coordinators, Norton Cancer Institute oversees about 200 active clinical trials at any point in…
This is an exciting time for Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. The clinical-academic partnership for all pediatric hematology/oncology inpatient, outpatient and pediatric infusion care provides more integrated care options, treatments, and resources for children throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Patients receive high quality clinical care and have access to…
The patient A 12-year-old female presented to Norton Children’s Hospital emergency department with a one-week history of worsening right knee pain and swelling. There was no known trauma, but pain started after exertion in gym class. Initial MRI demonstrated an aggressive bone lesion involving almost the entire right femur. She underwent initial biopsy which confirmed…