New Treatment for Childhood Cancer

Lack of therapies made specifically for young patients forces pediatric oncologists to use adult cancer drugs. In addition to debilitating side effects that can last a lifetime, there are many forms of childhood cancer whose outlook is poor. Unfortunately, financial investment to develop specific pediatric cancer drugs has been dismal.

NFCR’s AIM-HI Translational Research Initiative supports a pipeline to develop treatments for the most common pediatric cancers with the worst outcome. Volasertib is the pipeline’s first drug and will soon reach clinical trials to treat rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and deadly childhood cancer affecting 450 new patients yearly.

Recently, the FDA granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to volasertib which will fast-track the drug approval process.

The FDA also awarded volasertib the Orphan Drug Designation (for diseases that affect less than 200,000 individuals) that provides tax credits to reduce clinical trial costs and a waiver of new drug application fees – saving developers of volasertib nearly $2.9 million dollars in 2020.

These benefits will save precious time and money for patients, doctors and drug developers. Your commitment to funding this unmet medical need for better treatments is making a difference in the lives of children!

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS MADE POSSIBLE WITH YOUR SUPPORT

Botanical Drug Reaches Patients in Clinical Trials

Over two decades of funding from NFCR supporters helped Yung-Chi Cheng, Ph.D. and his team develop YIV-906, a botanical drug with multiple anti-cancer properties that enhance immunotherapy and chemotherapy. NFCR’s AIM-HI Translational Research Initiative support facilitated the translation of YIV-906 to reach the clinical stages.

Now, a global clinical trial is treating liver cancer patients with YIV-906 combined with a frontline drug. Since YIV-906 also protects the gastrointestinal tract from harsh side effects of many therapies, the botanical drug should alleviate adverse effects of the frontline drug that has caused many patients to discontinue its use.

With success in final phase clinical trials, YIV-906 could become the first U.S.-approved botanical cancer drug— a remarkable achievement.

Halting Spread of Pancreatic Cancer

Daniel A. Haber, M.D., Ph.D. identified a pancreatic cancer gene that drives cancer cells to spread. Scientists have not had much success identifying genes and treatments to stop spreading cells even in early stages of pancreatic cancer. His team’s discovery will launch the development of effective therapies for patients with pancreatic cancer and many other cancers.

Racial Disparity Research in Lung Cancer

Wei Zhang, Ph.D. found African American lung cancer patients have different mutations in key cancer-related genes than Caucasian patients, contributing to the increased incidence and lower survival rates in African Americans. The Zhang team won a larger national grant to study more patients, which may lead to life-saving treatments to reduce racial disparity in lung cancer survival rates

Predicting Why Cancer Spreads in Some Patients

Danny Welch, Ph.D. is finding variabilities in the cell part that produces our body’s energy, possibly explaining why cancer spreads in some patients but not in others. This may partially explain racial disparities in cancer rates and severity. His team’s research suggests a simple blood test could guide doctors to further treat patients whose cancer may spread, and spare patients at low risk from undergoing treatment side effects.

Propelling Development of a New Immunotherapy

With NFCR discovery research funds, Paul Fisher, M.Ph., Ph.D., advanced his powerful immune-stimulating agent as a new treatment to stop the spread of different types of cancer. NFCR’s AIM-HI Translational Research Initiative awarded additional support to bridge the gap between discovery research and expensive clinical drug development required for FDA approval. This year, the AIM-HI funds were matched from another non-profit. Together we are propelling research forward, giving patients new hope for a cure.

Create a Lasting Legacy

Make a lasting impact that will benefit your loved ones and future generations by supporting cancer research. A beneficiary designation is a simple and affordable way to support Research for a Cure. You can easily designate NFCR as a beneficiary in your estate plans or choose one of the options listed below. Consult your financial adviser to maximize tax planning opportunities.

Here are a few ways you can leave your legacy and fund cancer research in the future:

Cancer and COVID-19

• Cancer screenings are critically important, especially for those with a personal or family history of cancer.
• Regular cancer screenings are highly recommended, and should not be postponed during COVID-19. Early detection is key to long-term survival.
• It is important to take extra precautions in hygiene, social distancing, maskwearing, and to get sufficient rest and proper nutrition.
• Continue regular physical check-ups with your medical provider. Many cancers, when detected early, can be successfully treated.
• NFCR is helping the cancer community stay informed, prepared, and protected during a challenging time which will be overcome—together.

Please visit our COVID-19 Resource Center at NFCR.org.

Thank you for your support
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