New Tool Against Deadly Childhood Cancer

CBS Evening News: Study Shows Immunotherapy Boosts Chances Of Recovery From Neuroblastoma

(CBS)  Today, there's no stopping 8-year-old Brian Mullin on the Wiffle ball field.

But seven years ago, his parents were concerned by an unusual number of bumps on his head, reports CBS News correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook.

"Cancer did not cross my mind at all," said Eileen Mullin, his mother.

After several trips to the doctor, the Mullins received the worst possible news.

"It was a very aggressive cancer and we needed to start treatment right away," said Chris Mullin, Brian's father.

It was neuroblastoma, a rare but deadly form of childhood cancer. Although barely a toddler, Brian received aggressive therapy: chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and stem cell transplantation.

But then his doctor offered an additional step: an experimental treatment called immunotherapy, in which antibodies that target the cancer are injected into the bloodstream and attach to the tumor cell. One tagged with antibody, the cancer can be more easily recognized and attacked by the body's own white blood cells.

"They tested it on me and it was a success, so I hope it works on all other kids," Brian said.

In results released Thursday, immunotherapy improved the outcomes of patients with advanced neuroblastoma. After two years, 46 percent receiving standard treatment alone were free of tumor recurrence versus 66 percent of those like Brian who also received the antibody.

"It's wonderful to go and talk to a parent, whose child has just diagnosed with an advanced neuroblastoma and say the odds of being cured has increased dramatically," said Dr. M. Fevzi Ozkaynak with the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at the Westchester Medical Center in New York.

Brian likes his odds and he isn't looking back.

"I've been through it, it was the past, time to move on," he said.

This new treatment is still experimental, but it’s a step forward in the strategy of manipulating a person's own immune system to fight cancer.

[anngw]

We should not worry about the cost of the investment in finding a successful treatment and cure, because in the long run, it will bring down the cost for all of us personally and for our tax dollars.

[incog-nito]

Posted by Newster1 at 11:14 AM : May 15, 2009

In fact, we should also dump the disabled and infirm on an island too, since they cost too much money. This worked great in the Middle Ages. Hey, they don't call it the Dark Ages for nothing.

[incog-nito]

YUP that sounds like a long-term "cure" to me, wonder who is paying the hospital bills on this.

Posted by Newster1 at 11:14 AM : May 15, 2009

You're absolutely right. And how about those old, sick people? They don't work and cost too much money to treat. Maybe we should find an island to dump them on. In fact, people who quit working because they contract a major illness should be dumped there too. Maybe while they're there we can put them to work if they want to be treated. Because treatment costs money, as you well know.

[jonesjep]

"YUP that sounds like a long-term "cure" to me, wonder who is paying the hospital bills on this."
.......................

If it is your child you tell me if 2 more years is worth it. No matter what the cost. Great news and God bless their family.

[Newster1]

After two years, 46 percent receiving standard treatment alone were free of tumor recurrence versus 66 percent of those like Brian who also received the antibody"

YUP that sounds like a long-term "cure" to me, wonder who is paying the hospital bills on this.

[ibsteve2u]

Brian: "I've been through it, it was the past, time to move on."

You read something like that, and it makes you proud of the young man...at the same time as it makes you shudder to think of the trauma that forced such maturity upon an 8-year old.