Cancer, Hematology, Pediatric Services

Norton Children’s names new pediatric cancer chief

Norton Children’s has named a new physician to lead its cancer institute. Michael J. Ferguson, M.D., will serve as chief of Norton Children’s Cancer Institute and division chief of the University of Louisville School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation. In these roles, Dr. Ferguson will lead Norton…

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Cancer, Hematology, Pediatric Services

The acute lymphoblastic leukemia link to obesity

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…

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Cancer, Hematology, Pediatric Services

Immunotherapy for refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

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…

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Cancer, Hematology, Pediatric Services, Research

Reduced-toxicity myeloablative conditioning regimen effective against high-risk pediatric leukemias

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)….

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Hematology, Pediatric Services

Identifying common bleeding disorders in pediatric patients

Signs of common bleeding disorders in children can take many forms from birth through adolescence, according to Ashok B. Raj, M.D., pediatric hematologist/oncologist with Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. A newborn bleeding from the umbilical stump, an infant who’s just starting to walk having a painfully swollen joint after…

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Hematology, Pediatric Services

Hemlibra revolutionizing care for pediatric hemophilia A patients

A new drug has revolutionized the care of children with moderate to severe hemophilia A, not only dramatically improving their quality of life but potentially eliminating future complications from the disease. Hemophilia A affects 1 in 5,000 male births, making it the most common congenital severe bleeding disorder. Until recently, the mainstay of treatment for…

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Hematology, Pediatric Services

Coordinating sickle cell disease care for a lifetime

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at high risk for a broad range of acute and chronic conditions affecting many of the body’s systems and carrying a high association with morbidity. Given the broad range of potential manifestations of the disease, coordinating care among primary care providers, specialists, emergency departments, laboratories and hospitals can…

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Cancer, Hematology, Pediatric Services

Jun Zhao, D.O., named physician lead for outpatient care at Norton Children’s Cancer Institute

Jun Zhao, D.O., pediatric hematologist/oncologist, has been named physician lead for outpatient care at Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. Dr. Zhao will work with Ashok B. Raj, M.D., medical director, Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, and division chief of pediatric hematology/oncology for the University of Louisville School of Medicine Department…

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Hematology, Pediatric Services, Research

Erythrocytapheresis minimizes iron load and improves growth in sickle cell patients

Erythrocytapheresis (automated red cell exchange) increasingly is used to replace sickled red cells in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients as an alternative to transfusion. The procedure doesn’t significantly raise the total hemoglobin — a frequent result of other methods — when replacing sickled red cells with healthy donor cells. Erythrocytapheresis removes the patient’s sickled red…

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Cancer, Hematology, Pediatric Services

Sunnye Mayes, Ph.D. ABPP, joins Norton Children’s Cancer Institute as hematology/oncology psychologist

Sunnye Mayes, Ph.D. ABPP, has joined Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, as hematology/oncology psychologist. Dr. Mayes is the only provider in Kentucky or Southern Indiana certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in clinical child and adolescent psychology. Refer a Patient Use Norton EpicLink to quickly and easily…

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Hematology, Pediatric Services

Diagnosing HLH can be difficult, but rapid treatment can be effective

Because it is rare and has varied symptoms, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) can be difficult to diagnose. Without quick diagnosis and timely HLH treatment, however, it can be life-threatening. HLH can be inherited (primary or familial HLH), or it can be acquired and caused by another disease (secondary HLH). When the disease is acquired, it’s typically…

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Cancer, Hematology, Pediatric Services

Finding a path to medicine as a pediatric leukemia patient

Bradley Wilson’s journey to medical school started in the Norton Children’s Hospital emergency department when he was 13. Unable to walk, losing consciousness and with his skin grayish, Bradley was rushed by his parents to the emergency department. He was diagnosed with leukemia and started on a path toward recovery and, ultimately, his calling. Discovering…

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