The Children’s Cancer Foundation, Inc. (CCF) Highlights Critical Pediatric Cancer Treatment Research at 2nd Annual Research Symposium on June 7, 2017

Columbia, MD, April 16, 2017 --(PR.com)-- The Children’s Cancer Foundation, Inc. (CCF) highlights critical pediatric cancer treatment research at 2nd Annual Research Symposium on June 7, 2017
Each year in the U.S., more than 50,000 children are diagnosed with cancer, and approximately 1000 will die. While the survival rate has improved in the last thirty years, cancer treatment for children is decades behind their adult counterparts. This disparity is primarily a result of the lack of interest from pharmaceutical firms for a variety of reasons including fewer patients and regulatory issues that limit future profits.

Most impacted families find this outlook unacceptable, and quickly learn how important it is for the government to provide research funding, specifically to treat and cure pediatric cancer. However, of the current U.S. federal government cancer research budget, managed through the National Institutes of Health, only 4% is allocated for pediatric cancer research. Further, given the recent proposed U.S. budget from the White House, this 4% is widely considered in jeopardy.

The Children’s Cancer Foundation, Inc. recognizes the necessity of innovative pediatric cancer research, and, with its Scientific Advisory Board, will hold its 2nd Annual CCF Research Symposium on June 7th. This free, day-long event, entitled “New Drugs for New Cures,” will highlight the latest activity in treatment for cancers such as sarcomas, embryonal tumors, brain cancers, and leukemia. A dozen leading pediatric oncology researchers will discuss the advancements of their work, while others will display poster presentations covering research efforts. The day’s keynote will be Gregory H. Reaman, M.D., Associate Director for Oncology Sciences in the Office of Hematology and Oncology in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the FDA. Dr. Reaman is a leading voice for pediatric cancer research and directed the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Children’s National Medical Center for more than 17 years.

“The CCF and its Scientific Advisory Board hopes that these annual symposia call attention to the remarkable work happening in the field of pediatric oncology, as well as the necessity to fund these efforts in their beginning stages,” offered Jeffrey Toretsky, M.D., Chair of the CCF Scientific Advisory Board, and Researcher at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Toretsky is also a recipient of CCF research funding that began over 20 years ago, when his early work was a collection of ideas in need of financial support to generate data.

“CCF’s founder, Shirley Howard, started her work in 1983 and helped transform pediatric oncology facilities into family- and child-supportive environments throughout the Baltimore-D.C. region. While CCF continues to support these facilities and the programs that support current pediatric cancer patients, we recognize the critical need to fund innovative strategies that are unique to pediatric oncology research. Those early dollars can help researchers advance their theories, and ultimately lead to more effective treatment and cures for pediatric cancer,” explains CCF Executive Director Tasha Museles. CCF anticipates more than 200 attendees, largely from the medical research community, but also advocates, families and others seeking a better understanding of the area’s latest pediatric oncology research.

For the second year in a row, the symposium will be hosted in Landover at the Giant Food Headquarters, a longtime supporter of CCF. For more information and to register, please visit the CCF website at http://www.childrenscancerfoundation.org or contact the CCF offices at 443-546-4479 and info@childrenscancerfoundation.org.

Founded in 1983, The Children’s Cancer Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the treatment and cure of childhood cancer in the Maryland, D.C. and Northern Virginia region. CCF has awarded more than $36.6 million dollars to support facilities, research and programs to benefit pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Contact
The Children's Cancer Foundation, Inc.
Lauren Lasher
443-546-4479
www.childrenscancerfoundation.org
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