Experts from the Cancer Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) present Clinical Advances in Pediatric Oncology — a video-based, educational resource for clinical and research professionals in pediatric oncology and hematology.

New Surgical and Medical Approaches to Pediatric Brain Tumors

Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Some types of pediatric CNS tumors, such as low-grade gliomas, have long overall survival, while others, such as medulloblastoma, have demonstrated improved survival in recent years. However, many rare pediatric CNS tumors, like diffuse midline gliomas, continue to have dismal outcomes with few to no long-term survivors. Regardless of the tumor subtype, many patients go on to suffer from late effects related to their diagnoses and the treatments necessary to manage their tumors. Given these factors, novel surgical and medical approaches are being pursued to improve survival, functional, and quality of life outcomes for children and young adults with CNS tumors.

This lecture is presented by Phillip B. Storm, MD and Cassie Kline, MD, MAS.

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Molecular Medicine in Solid Tumors

Both targeted and next-generation sequencing have increasing relevance in the diagnosis, prognosis/risk stratification and therapies for solid tumors. In particular, identification of oncogenetic drivers through molecular testing can lead to targeted therapies that in some cases. yield significant clinical response, either in the upfront or relapsed setting. Additionally, the increase in genetic testing in patients with solid tumors has led to an increase in identification of underlying cancer predisposition syndromes. The identification of these syndromes is important both for their effects on cancer therapeutics and ongoing surveillance for the patient and any affected family members. This lecture will review currently used molecular diagnostic techniques and their incorporation into clinical practice in pediatric solid tumor oncology.

Presented by Theodore W. Laetsch, MD and Suzanne P. MacFarland, MD, this lecture will: 

• Discuss the use of genetic testing in diagnosis and management of solid tumors
• Review FDA-approved and investigational molecularly targeted therapies for children with solid tumors
• Discuss the importance of germline evaluation in patients with pediatric solid tumors

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New Developments in Pediatric Lymphoma Treatment

In this lecture, up-to-date standards for lymphoma diagnosis, staging and treatment will be reviewed. Newer treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies, will be presented and discussed.

Presented by Anne F. Reilly, MD, MPH, Leslie S. Kersun, MD, MSCE, MSEd, and Christine Hill-Kayser, MD, this lecture will discuss: 

• principles of standard therapies for Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• a targeted therapy with promise for Hodgkin lymphoma
• the use of potential immunotherapies for non-Hodgkin lymphomas

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Neuropsychological Late Effects of Pediatric Cancer Treatment

Globally, over 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually. Treatments continue to improve, and children and adolescents are surviving at higher rates. Nonetheless, morbidities of cancer and treatment persist. This includes altered trajectories of cognitive development, executive functions, processing speed, visual-spatial skills, and mood. While those who have experienced a pediatric brain tumor are at greatest risk for neuropsychological late effects, those diagnosed with hematological malignancies or solid organ tumors also experience late effects of cancer and therapies. The team at CHOP has a multitiered surveillance and intervention model to monitor for neuropsychological late effects in accordance with the Standards for the Psychosocial Care of Children With Cancer and Their Families.

Presented by Iris Paltin, PhD, ABPP-CN, this lecture will:

• Discuss how various diagnoses, treatments, and demographic and environmental factors contribute to neuropsychological functioning
• Review the multiple domains of neuropsychological abilities, and how these domains impact educational, vocational, and social outcomes
• Identify supports and interventions that improve neuropsychological functioning and quality of life

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