Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: The Power of Imaging in Pediatric Oncology
September is a significant month for many reasons, but in the medical community, it stands out as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This month, we spotlight the pressing global health challenge of childhood cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of death among children worldwide. It’s a time to reflect, raise awareness, and most importantly, to act.
Some pediatric cancers, like diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), are especially difficult to treat. In fact, only about 10% of DIPG patients survive more than two years after their diagnosis.
Moreover, the challenges of childhood cancer do not end with treatment. Over 95% of childhood cancer survivors experience health complications by age 45, often stemming from their treatment rather than the cancer itself.
Although a decrease in the mortality rate has occurred due to advancements in medical science, much work remains. Behind the statistics are stories of young lives, dreams, and hopes that deserve a chance to flourish.
Our Expertise in Pediatric Trials
At Imaging Endpoints, we’ve been at the forefront of this battle, leveraging our expertise in imaging to accelerate development of new treatments in pediatric oncology. Imaging Endpoints is a leading collaborator within the industry for pediatric oncology trials. The fruits of our labor are evident, with many of these trials either having already received regulatory approval in the United States and across
the globe, or on the fast track to do so. A testament to our dedication and expertise is our remarkable 95% marketing authorization success rate and perfect inspection record.
It’s crucial to understand that pediatric patients are unique. They aren’t just ‘small adults’. Their metabolic processes, growth patterns, and responses to treatments are distinct, necessitating specialized approaches.
To ensure the utmost precision in our trials, we often incorporate pediatric-specific criteria, including trial specific clarifications and/or modifications to such criteria. A prime example of this is our early adoption and specialized use of the Response Assessment in Pediatric Neuro Oncology (RAPNO, Cooney et al, 2020) criteria. Given that the majority of pediatric brain tumors have clinical and biological features that are distinct from adult gliomas, and considering the pediatric brain’s increased susceptibility to the effects of the tumor and the potential toxic effects of treatment, T2 FLAIR/Enhancement based RAPNO evaluations are better suited than the standard criteria utilized for adults.
We’ve had the privilege of supporting dozens of pediatric trials, including but not limited to: Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), Medulloblastoma, Astrocytoma, other Gliomas, Neuroblastoma, Wilms Tumor, Osteosarcoma, and many other common childhood cancers.
The Way Forward
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the work that lies ahead. It’s a call to action for researchers, medical professionals, and the broader community.
At Imaging Endpoints, we remain committed to our vision to “Connect Imaging to the Cure.” Our expertise, dedication, and the enduring support of our collaborators underscore our vision of a world where every child can battle cancer with hope. To biopharmaceutical companies looking to make a difference, we extend our hand in partnership. Together, let’s create a world where children’s dreams aren’t cut short by cancer.
To learn how Imaging Endpoints can help your clinical trial succeed and aide in the war against Childhood Cancer,
