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What You Need to Know About Clinical Trials

Nov 22, 2016, in Research

What You Need to Know About Clinical Trials

When it comes to complex and aggressive conditions like pediatric retinoblastoma, clinical trials are a fundamental pillar in knowledge, research, and evolution of treatment. They’re an opportunity to learn more about these conditions, as well as how we can come one step closer to curing those who suffer from them. Learn more about clinical trials and whether they may be right for your family....

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Helping Families Using Pediatric Cancer Genetic Testing

Oct 31, 2016, in Research

Helping Families Using Pediatric Cancer Genetic Testing

The 21st century has brought revolutionary developments in the science and technology that save lives every day. Specialists are using DNA sequencing technology to learn about our genetics and how some people are more likely than others to develop cancer. More specifically, they’re observing the benefits of genetic testing in children who have already been diagnosed with pediatric cancer. About the Study In a...

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From the Desk of Bill Ruffier: A Retinoblastoma Case Study

Oct 21, 2016, in Kids Vision

From the Desk of Bill Ruffier: A Retinoblastoma Case Study

Bill Ruffier of Dellecker, Wilson, King, McKenna, Ruffier, & Sos has dedicated his career to fighting for the rights of children and families who have been devastated by pediatric retinoblastoma malpractice. Today, we’ll discuss a case that sadly represents many of the scenarios that occur in this realm: a pediatrician who neglected his duties, and consequently failed to diagnose the condition when all the...

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UMMS Student Tests Retinoblastoma-Detecting Smartphone App in Guatemala

Sep 21, 2016, in Treatments

UMMS Student Tests Retinoblastoma-Detecting Smartphone App in Guatemala

The global medical community is uniting to battle pediatric retinoblastoma. Nitin Shrivastava, a student at the University of Maryland Medical System’s School of Medicine, is collaborating with an international team of clinicians and researchers in Guatemala to help battle this deadly cancer. The application is designed to help detect leukocoria, or “white eye.” Leukocoria has recently become a key in identifying retinoblastoma, as this...

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The Evolution of Pediatric Retinoblastoma Treatment

Sep 19, 2016, in Treatments

The Evolution of Pediatric Retinoblastoma Treatment

According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Center, about 350 children are diagnosed with pediatric retinoblastoma every year in the US. While this pediatric eye cancer can be scary, treatment for retinoblastoma has advanced so much that about 95 percent of patients diagnosed with it are cured. This evolution is extraordinary, considering that the disease used to be considered a death sentence 100 years ago. First Retinoblastoma...

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New Retinoblastoma Research May Change Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Sep 19, 2016, in Research

New Retinoblastoma Research May Change Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Retinoblastoma protein RB1 is a gene that has been linked to cancer since early research breakthroughs in the 1970s. Now there are new findings that show more details about RB1 and other RB proteins’ central role in controlling cell proliferation (increase) and cell death. Additionally, new findings review the effects of RB loss and protein modifications. While there is still much work to be...

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September Is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Sep 2, 2016, in Kids Vision

September Is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

No parent wants to hear the words, “Your child is sick,” from the pediatrician. Unfortunately, every two minutes, a child is diagnosed with pediatric cancer and life for that child and their family dramatically changes. That’s why every September, we aim to raise awareness on behalf of the kids, families and communities affected by life-altering conditions like retinoblastoma. Today, thanks to the hard work...

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Rio 2016 Olympian Sells Silver Medal for Pediatric Retinoblastoma Patient

Aug 30, 2016, in Treatments

Rio 2016 Olympian Sells Silver Medal for Pediatric Retinoblastoma Patient

It’s stories like these that warm our hearts and give hope in times of sadness. Piotr Malachowski, a Polish Olympian who won a silver medal in discus throwing, has auctioned off his coveted silver medal. Why? To help 3-year-old Olek Szymanski receive a life-saving operation to treat his pediatric retinoblastoma. Briefly after his Olympic performance, Olek’s mother reached out to Malachowski for help. She...

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How Socioeconomic Status Can Impact Kids’ Eye Health

Aug 30, 2016, in Treatments

How Socioeconomic Status Can Impact Kids’ Eye Health

Research is showing that insurance isn’t the only key factor in whether or not children are getting proper eye care. The University of Michigan conducted a study that examines the relationship between kids’ eye health and the socioeconomic status of their families. It shows that children from less affluent homes are less likely to be diagnosed with dangerous eye conditions before they permanently impact...

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In Honor of Alfred G. Knudson, a Pioneer in Retinoblastoma Research

Aug 9, 2016, in Kids Vision

In Honor of Alfred G. Knudson, a Pioneer in Retinoblastoma Research

Alfred G. Knudson will always be remembered for his groundbreaking research in cancer, specifically pediatric retinoblastoma. His work helped to decode this mysterious disease, examining why and how certain forms of cancer attack in relation to the patient’s genetics. On July 10, 2016, he passed away in his Philadelphia home at the age of 93. Cancer Genetics Advancements During the 1970s, scientists observed that some...

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