I have cancer. And then | Pediatric Cancer: “We are healing children who have been sentenced to 10 or 15 years ago,”
At the age of seven, he saw that his cousin was suffering from severe lymphoblastic leukemia. After decades, he has a special dedication to pediatric oncology and has a certainty: “I want to be 50 years less than 50 years to find real remedies for cancer in children and adolescents.”
Why is cancer in children and young people in adults? “It is completely different to treat children’s cancers or adult cancers, because there are environmental factors such as tobacco or alcohol in adults. In children’s cancers, the cause is more related to the genetic brittle,” said the main research at the National Children’s Research Center (National Children’s Research Center). This makes it almost impossible and requires a completely different approach: “Focus on inventing a full genetic base of children’s cancer.”
From laboratory to clinical practice
Over the past decade, the largest leap genes, the ability to order the tumors and patients, and this knowledge to be applied to clinical practice. “We are entering the new stage. Let’s redefine what is the prevention. It is not only five years without cancer, but to be toxic, and a growing child or adolescent.”
These transformation examples are changing examples, known as Precision Medicine, which adjusts treatment to a personal genetic profile. One of the most amazing examples is serious T -cell lymphoblastic leukemia: “We know that there are sub -groups with worse ideologies that benefit from experimental treatments, and others are practically cured and to whom we can give less chemotherapy.”
This is a clear example of translation investigation: converting laboratory innovations into concrete treatments. But despite the potential, this process is not always fast. “We want to take what is found today in the laboratory tomorrow, but it takes years due to control, especially in Europe. However, we are improving.”
The necessity of financing
The higher obstacle to the investigation of pediatric cancer remains financing. “Adult cancers get much more support than cancers in children and young people. Therefore, they are left in the European Union.” And he adds: “Without financing, we cannot achieve what we need.”
In the United States, most of the investment comes through alignment. In Europe, it is imperative that it is imperative to create strategic alliances between the CE shadow industry, health systems, academy and civil society. “In this case we are much more effective than Americans.”
Together for better answers
The truth is that there is a rare international cooperation of pediatric cancer. These indicate only 1% of total cancers and each type is a rare disease. “To ask for the relevant questions and gathering the only way to get valid answers statistically.” The European protocol “Altogether”, for example, consists of over a dozen countries, including Portugal, and allows you to track thousands of children and test different treatments in a real case.
In Ireland, the “Magic Eye” project is another prestigious bet. It sequences the tumor gene for all children with cancer, receiving treatments and reducing toxicity. “We hope to have answers in two to three years,” he said.
The future in construction
The new generation of researchers showed strong interest, especially in the Pediatric leukemia region. “We were able to cure 85 to 90% of children, but at high cost. Most young researchers now focus on reducing the toxins of treatments.” Betting on immune system treatments such as genetics, artificial intelligence and monoclonal antibodies or car-t cells, it promised to revolutionize in this field.
And what is it necessary to prioritize this? “Genetic research, as I have come to say, is crucial. And the cooperation between the clinical trial groups. There are many small groups in front of it. Now, but the bigger, the biggest, the more relevant questions are asked and have better answers.”
With proper tools and prepared generation, the challenge is started. “This is a very exciting moment for medical science. Progress comes from new ideas and new methods. The ability to sort genes will quickly and use artificial intelligence to evaluate.”
And if there is anything that is not error, it is hope: “We are improving in medicine, but a long -term follow -up.May 27, about the current and future of pediatric oncology in Portugal.
