St. Jude Children's Research Hospital’s Post

Research shows that pediatric patients genetically prone to cancer benefit from early surveillance. A compelling case is raised to advocate for early and regular surveillance in children with genetic predispositions to cancer in a study recently published in JAMA Oncology, Kim Nichols, MD, St. Jude Division of Cancer Predisposition director, Department of Oncology, with colleagues Alise Blake and Melissa Perrino. Nichols provides a deeper look into the importance of early tumor detection for achieving the best outcomes in young patients. The study discovered that early intervention often detects asymptomatic, early-stage tumors, sometimes even during the initial testing phase or within two years of starting surveillance. This is significant because early-stage tumors are typically more treatable and can be completely removed through surgery, improving the chances of successful outcomes. The research supports the effectiveness of current screening methods and recommends that healthcare providers should begin surveillance immediately upon identifying a cancer-predisposing syndrome, without waiting for patients to complete therapy for prior cancers. This approach could appreciably improve early detection and treatment success. The implications of this study extend beyond clinical practice. It can be challenging for providers to get insurances companies to pay for early screenings. This study may be the start to providing insurance companies with the evidence needed to cover the tests for children with a predisposition, to ensure that these vital screenings are accessible for families who need them. Nichols looks forward to including a wider range of patients in this study and exploring the psychological impacts of surveillance. Read the full study for more insights: https://ow.ly/YFKY50SuUv0 #PediatricCancer #EarlyDetection #CancerResearch #StJudeResearch

For any medication to work, people must be willing and able to take it. This is particularly true for antiviral therapy for HIV. The newest generation of HIV therapy focuses on long-acting injectable medication, which provides a treatment regimen that is easier for patients to stick with. St. Jude is at the forefront of clinical research to bring these treatments to children and young adults.   St. Jude has a long history of working with the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) Network. Aditya Gaur, MD, St. Jude Division of HIV Medicine director co-led the IMPAACT 2017 study, whose primary goal was to determine the safety of these medicines and drug exposure in adolescents aged 12 to 18. Results from the Phase 1/2 clinical trial show that a long-acting, injectable treatment regimen is safe for use in this age group.  “A few decades from now, we will reflect and say this was another milestone in how we addressed the management of HIV,” said Aditya Gaur, MD, St. Jude Division of HIV Medicine director. “Long-acting HIV treatment adds yet another treatment option for people living with HIV.”  Findings from the first study cohort, published in The Lancet HIV, showed no serious adverse effects in these patients. These interim findings informed the approval of this combination of long-acting medications for adolescents by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Canada Health.  “At an individual level,” Gaur concluded. “It’s most rewarding to hear the testimonies of the adolescents who shared what it meant for them not to have to take daily oral medications and to experience some relief from the feeling of stigma.”  Learn more about the study on Progress: https://ow.ly/E20x50StLI7

“We want them to be successful survivors and not just survivors,” said Emily Browne, director of the Transition Program at St. Jude, when she spoke earlier this week at The Atlantic People vs. Cancer event in New York City. “Our program is unique in that we are really trying to establish those things and monitor and closely follow patients and ask all of those questions as we are moving through that so we can better prepare patients in the future. You do that by asking and listening,” she said. Browne explained that the first few years following treatment can be a difficult time for a pediatric cancer survivor. Depending on their age, a survivor will have to navigate returning to school, going to college or entering the workforce all while balancing any additional needs they may have and psychosocial elements that could play a part in their long-term recoveries. Browne learned this firsthand. She was diagnosed with leukemia at 17 years old and experienced some of those challenges in what she calls the “grey zone” between later adolescents and young adults. That experience, she noted, guides her interactions with patients as she helps them prepare for any potential challenges that lie ahead.

Applications for the 2025 Childhood Cancer Survivor Study Career Development Award are now open! If you're an early-career investigator or trainee passionate about childhood cancer survivorship, apply by October 7, 2024. This award provides a unique opportunity to delve into scientific research that could shape future treatment protocols and interventions, aiming to increase survival rates and reduce adverse health outcomes. Recipients of this award will gain valuable insights into the long-term effects of cancer, contributing to meaningful advancements in the field. “This award gave me the opportunity to learn from incredible mentors who continue to mentor me to this day and helped motivate my research program,” recalls Cindy Im, PhD, Junior faculty awardee in 2019. With the support of the CCSS Career Development Award, Dr. Im researched late effects risk prediction and gained the confidence to apply for her first NIH grant. Today, she is an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota.

Generative artificial intelligence can have positive applications in the healthcare industry, said Keith Perry, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, when he spoke recently at the annual Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Discover conference. The event, held in Las Vegas, is a technology showcase held for HPE business and government customers. During the session, Perry said he and his staff see key training opportunities in respect to AI that work to enhance the productivity of highly skilled clinical, research, and administrative professionals. These groups all need to have both a grasp on the evolution of AI, as well as how it can and will impact their respective operations. To help advance our knowledge and discovery of pediatric diseases, St. Jude built a GenAI framework to integrate deep learning models into data science programs. The effort supports the institution's ongoing strategic investments in data science, which date back to the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project which at the time was the largest investment and most comprehensive effort to identify and understand the genetic origins of cancer. Perry was also recently honored by Becker's Healthcare’s 2024 “CIOs to know” list, which recognizes IT executives at health systems and hospitals throughout the U.S. who are leading strategic initiatives, implementing new electronic health record systems, enhancing cybersecurity and deploying telehealth services. Congratulations, Keith!  #HPEDiscover #GenerativeAI #HealthcareInnovation #StJude #PediatricCancer

The St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences recently celebrated the commencement of 27 students who earned advanced degrees, including a Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences, and MS degrees in Clinical Investigations, Global Child Health or Biomedical Sciences. Steve Varga, PhD, Dean of the St. Jude School of Biomedical Sciences, shared his pride in the graduates, saying their research “is a testament to the imagination, passion and intellectual curiosity that drives humanity forward. You have delved into the unknown asking questions that have never been asked before and uncovering answers that will make a significant impact on the health of generations to come." Congratulations, graduates! We are excited to see the impact you will have advancing future of care and treatment of children around the world.

Discover the Science of Childhood Cancer with our comprehensive 15-week virtual series hosted by the St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center. Explore the new lecture archive to discover valuable insights into the latest advancements at the forefront of pediatric cancer research. https://ow.ly/X6Ac50Siq0Q

The DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence is a prestigious accolade bestowed upon nurses who exhibit extraordinary care, compassion and dedication to their patients and families. Thousands of facilities and schools of nursing worldwide are committed to honoring nurses for their impact within their organization. Today, we are proud to celebrate the individuals at St. Jude who were recently honored for their commitment and service that has not only touched lives but also set a gold standard in the nursing profession. Winnie Wan, BSN, RN, CPHON, works on the Leukemia inpatient floor and her compassion is evident in every patient interaction. She was nominated by a patient family who saw her profound impact through her medical care and emotional support when they needed it most. Her calm and comforting nature helped to ease additional stress on the patient during treatment. Jackie Giles, BSN, RN, embodies the highest standard of nursing dedication through her patient communication and care. Her expertise on the Leukemia inpatient floor has been pivotal in improving patient outcomes and fostering a nurturing environment. Jackie’s colleagues particularly admire her commitment to mentorship. She took time to guide a new graduate nurse and demonstrated exceptional patience, knowledge and encouragement. Erin Burke, MSN, RN, PNP-BC, demonstrates strong decision-making, critical thinking skills and compassion for her patients and families that truly set her apart. Even in challenging times, she always finds a way to celebrate and honor her patients, making a significant impact on their lives. She is true testament to the spirit of the DAISY Award through her ability to provide holistic care. Please join us in celebrating Jackie, Winnie and Erin. Their dedication to going above and beyond for their patients serves as a shining example of what it means to be a nurse. Thank you for continuing to spread care and kindness in your work!