On Monday, January 13, 2020, the PLGG/PLGA (Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma/Astrocytoma) Coalition kicked off their fourth meeting in six years to discuss the latest scientific studies and best practices in clinical trials for treating PLGA patients. The coalition’s goal is to accelerate the pace of PLGA research by finding common ground for evaluating and treating PLGA patients, as well as identifying the scientific direction to better understand low-grade tumors and target them for eradication. This conference has been a catalyst for the most prolific period of PLGA research to date.
Over two days in Ladenburg, Germany, the group discussed a range of important topics including Classifying PLGG within the World Health Organization Coding System, Non-BRAF Tumor Biology, Creating a PLGG Model System, Oncogene Induced Senescence and Micro-Environment, Clinical Trial Updates, the Next Generation of Clinical Trials, and more.
36 leading researchers and clinicians convened from seven countries and 19 research institutions including The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, University College of Queens (UK), Children’s National Medical Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Sick Kids (Toronto), Research Institute of McGill Medical, and Washington University of Saint Louis Medical Center. Their collaborative efforts are shaping the future for treating PLGA patients and giving hope to them and their families.
Pediatric Cancer Neuropsychological Needs Assessment Act Introduced in New York Legislature
A new bill introduced in the New York State Legislature by Senator Shelley B. Mayer and Assembly Member Christopher Burdick will help remove some of the barriers standing between children with cancer and the learning accommodations they need to succeed in school. The Pediatric Cancer Neuropsychological Needs Assessment Act (NY State S.8750) would require insurers to provide coverage for neuropsychological assessments for children diagnosed with cancer that affects brain development or function.
The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Welcomes Dr. Sanjay Gupta to Its Board of Directors
The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) is proud to welcome Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s chief medical correspondent, to the PBTF’s Board of Directors. Dr. Gupta will bring his wide-ranging experiences in medical practice and journalism, including as associate chief of the neurosurgery service at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, associate professor of neurosurgery at the Emory University School of Medicine, and chief medical correspondent for CNN, to bear as a valuable and expert advocate for pediatric brain tumor patients, survivors, and their families.
