Children with cancer need our help. Van Andel Research Institute, the NMTRC, and parents of children with neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma are dedicated to finding a way to stop these diseases and giving pediatric patients the future they deserve. There is hope, and you can help.
About Neuroblastoma and Medulloblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a nervous system tumor that is usually diagnosed in children age six and younger. It is an aggressive and deadly disease. Current standard treatment for neuroblastoma includes chemotherapy, surgery, bone marrow transplants, radiation and antibody therapy. The disease usually comes back after treatment, at which point there is no cure, only toxic treatments that keep children from living life while they can.
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. It is an invasive and rapidly growing disease. Tumors start in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance and other complex motor functions, then spread through the cerebrospinal fluid to different parts of the brain and spine. Treatment includes surgery, craniospinal radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The Stats
We know that these are not just numbers. These are children and families with heartbreaking stories. These are the lives we are dedicated to saving.
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Neuroblastoma accounts for 15% of all pediatric cancer deaths in the United States
- Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial pediatric solid tumor in children
- The chance for survival for patients with neuroblastoma is less than 30% with standard chemotherapy, less than 40% (five-year survival rate) for Stage 4 neuroblastoma, and less than 10% after relapse
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Medulloblastomas account for 15 to 20 percent of all pediatric brain tumors
- 71% of all medulloblastoma patients are diagnosed by age 9
About the NMTRC
The Neuroblastoma and Medulloblastoma Translational Research Consortium (NMTRC) is a group of 18 universities and children's hospitals headquartered at Van Andel Research Institute that offer a nationwide network of childhood cancer clinical trials. These trials are based on the research from a group of closely collaborating investigators who are linked with laboratory programs developing novel therapies for high-risk neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma.
Our mission is to create a national collaborative effort of researchers and oncologists to bring forward new therapies for children with relapsed neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma with the goal of finding a cure for these patients.
Thank You
Thank you to our Heroes who make this research possible!
