UNC Linebergercan Comprehensivecer Cancer Center LinesUniversity of North Carolina School of Medicine & UNC Health Care Fall 2001 Childhood Cancer: UNC Treats the Whole Family Childhood cancer is complicated. First, it’s rare—only about 130 in a million chil- dren will be diagnosed annually in the U.S. Director’s Second, treatment often cures the initial Message cancer—about 75 percent—but also can 2 result in complications later in life, includ- ing the rare development of second malig- nancies. Finally, more than any other can- cer, it involves the entire family and not just the patient. Despite its rarity and improvements in treatment and supportive care, childhood cancers are the second leading cause of death in children after accidents. The most common is leukemia, accounting for al- Mia Hamm most 30 percent of childhood cancers. Golf Classic The most common type of leukemia is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Pediatric Oncology Team. Front row (left-right): Dr. Rupa Redding- 3 which accounts for about two-thirds of the leukemias. Lallinger; Linda Mansmann, oncology nurse; Dr. Julie Blatt, chief, of pedi- atric hematology-oncology; Dr. Stuart Gold; and Dr. Matt Richardson Rare As Truffles (fellow). Back Row (left-right): Mary Brookins, clinic nurse; Michael Musty, data manager; Dr. Brent Weston; Rose Dunaway, oncology nurse; Barbara “Common adult cancers are carcinomas, such as lung and Cheek; receptionist Khadijah Farrakahan, receptionist; Dr. Mike Douva colon cancers, and are very rare in childhood,” notes Brent (fellow); Dr. Paul Monahan; and Fran Wright, nurse practitioner. Not pic- Weston, associate professor of pediatrics in the Hematology/ tured are Dr. Herb Cooper; Kristi Geib, oncology nurse practitioner; Gwen Oncology Division. “In children, cancer is less toxin- or Konsler, oncology nurse; and Verity Kromah, clinic nurse. environment-related and more virus-related or hereditary. Because most pediatric tumors are tissue-specific rather than Stuart Gold, associate professor of pediatrics, is the organ-specific, they can be challenging to diagnose.” principal investigator for UNC to Children’s Oncology Group Profile: According to American Cancer Society statistics, about — the largest cooperative group in the world caring for child- Rivera/Calvo 8,600 children under the age of 15 in the United States will hood cancer. The group undertakes randomized clinical trial as 4 & Briefs be diagnosed with cancer this year. well as Phase I and II studies identifying new agents.“These “Because there are so few cases and fewer tumors, there trials incorporate laboratory/genetic research as well,” Gold has to be good coordination among cancer centers,” explains says. “We send in tumor tissue to a central bank for distri- Julie Blatt, professor and chief of the Pediatric Hematology/ bution to researchers looking into better treatments, the etiol- Oncology Division. “We do cooperative group trials which ogies of childhood cancers and the genetic basis of disease.” allow us to monitor types of treatments over time to deter- The group also initiates studies on supportive care, quality of mine which are most effective.” life and nursing. continued on page 3 Breast Cancer SPORE Renewed America’s Top Doctors WATCH A highly competitive national review by the National Cancer Program Institute awarded the Center a $12.5 million renewal of its 2001 List Published. 5 Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in breast cancer with one of the best ratings in the history of the We’re extremely pleased Gifts to the SPORE program. Featured are projects using fundamental Center ’00-’01 & research to create novel therapies for advanced breast cancer that UNC had 53 doctors 6Clinical Trials and pioneering methods for genetically defining new sub- on this list in all specialties, types of breast cancer and their response to therapy. Ground- and particularly excited New breaking investigations into the disparities in incidence, Infusion mortality, and morbidity between African-American and that 19 of the 53 are Center Caucasian women will take on new dimensions as we follow 10 up outcomes in over 4,000 breast cancer cases. Full story in UNC Lineberger faculty. the next issue of Cancer Lines. the inside line up ... = Director’s its intellectual and humane Message treatment of patients, but not for its facilities. While this new infusion area will help, as will expanded clinic space for UNC Lineberger is designated a comprehensive cancer center by the women’s cancers in the new National Cancer Institute. Pediatric cancers throughout the cancer experience. A N.C. Women’s Hospital, these improve- tug at the very range of programs is available to patients, ments are only a stepping stone toward Cancer Lines is a semi-annual publication of the UNC Lineberger core of every- parents and siblings to make the time a new clinical cancer center. The UNC Comprehensive Cancer Center, one’s heart. A during treatment a little easier. We are Hospitals Board has authorized initial The University of North Carolina cancer diagnosis particularly grateful that UNC student planning for a new facility to better care School of Medicine at Chapel Hill. at any age is groups have organized programs to for our patients and families. Inciden- Dr. H. Shelton Earp, III, Director frightening, but complement the staff’s care. tally, we come into the 21st century with Dr. Joseph S.Pagano, Director Emeritus when a child is Others have come forward to support a new way to access care at UNC Line- Dianne G. Shaw, Director of Communications/Executive Editor diagnosed, it hurts pediatric oncology as well. Carolyn berger, a toll-free number to start the Margot Carmichael Lester, Editor us all a little Burnett is an example of a parent who process. Dial 1-866-828-0270, and more. And while wants to make a difference. After her patients, doctors or families will be ■ Please remove me from your Dr. Shelton Earp UNC Pediatric son, Edwin, was treated at UNC, she connected with program coordinators mailing list Oncology can’t worked tirelessly to expand Wilming- who can help. prevent children from getting cancer, ton’s highly successful “Chasing the Lastly, donors such as those who Name they can, in increasing instances, make it Horizon” fundraiser for Pediatric Oncol- developed “Chasing the Horizon” make ■ Please add the following to the go away. ogy. We salute her, and a whole host of so much possible: clinical care and re- Cancer Center’s mailing list. Even after a child has been treated Lineberger friends in Wilmington who search innovations that would not be and is back to a normal life, issues of took the time to plan and direct this possible without this help. This issue of Name long-term effects of therapy such as risk fabulous early spring event; we truly en- Cancer Lines recognizes our donor honor of a second cancer, insurance, employ- joyed seeing old friends and making new roll. This remarkable list continues to Address ability, fertility and other issues linger. ones during the festivities. grow, forcing us (joyfully) to expand City, State, Zip UNC is mindful of these issues and Treating cancer at any time is chal- Cancer Lines to add a two-page foldout. when possible treats each pediatric lenging to patients, their families and We thank each and every one of you UNC Lineberger patient with minimal dosing to achieve friends as well as the staff providing the who support the Center and its mission. Comprehensive Cancer Center maximum results. Our clinicians have care. That’s why we are delighted that Your confidence sustains our work and CB# 7295 created a clinic for long-term follow-up the new, spacious infusion area is now helps us move more swiftly towards the School of Medicine care of these brave young people. And open in the Clinical Cancer Center. This goal of eradicating this disease. University of North Carolina at fortunately this is one clinic population new unit triples the space we have to • Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295 — pediatric cancer survivors — that we care for our patients who receive chemo- (919) 966-3036 expect will continue to grow and therapy. The suite is a reality thanks to http://cancer.med.unc.edu flourish. the dedication and persistence of several UNC Pediatric Oncology treats the patients and their families who helped Printed on Recycled Paper patient, but works with the entire family articulate the need. UNC is known for The open house and dedication of the new infusion area was held July 9 A plaque was made to “honor the courage and spirit of cancer patients and their families treated at UNC with special thanks to George Jefferson whose family helped make this new space a reality.” Patient advocacy catalyzed the remodeling process. Pictured (left to right): Dr. Beverly Mitchell, Center associate director; Marlene Rifkin, senior vice president, UNC Hospitals; Dr. Shelton Earp, Center director; Pat Decator, clinic head nurse; Mrs.Eileen Jefferson, wife of patient George Jeffer- son; Wendy McBride, clinic education coordinator; Kathy Guyette, director oncology services; Catherine Hogan, oncology nurse practitioner; Mary Beck, senior vice president for planning and program development, UNC Hospitals, and member UNC Breast Center Advisory Board. 2 cancerLines Fall 2001 UNC Treats the Whole Family continued from page 1 “UNC Has Given My Son Tricky Treatment According to the American Cancer Society, child- a Chance for Life” hood cancer mortality rates have declined 50 percent since 1973. Advances in treatment mean “Children are so resilient that it is hard to know when that roughly two-thirds of kids treated for one to they are sick, because they don’t act sick,” says Carolyn three years are cured. “In children, we’re often not Burnett. On a family trip, her two-year old son, Edwin, as worried about cancer recurrence as we are about developed bruises and red spots, but was acting fine.