THE REVOLUTIONARY POTENTIAL of Car T- CELL THERAPY

CAR T-cell therapy involves altering a patient’s T-cells – immune-system cells – so they attack cancer cells. The treatment has proven effective in treating blood cancers such as leukemia.

The next step is developing CAR T-cell therapy for solid tumours, which affect around 60 per cent of cancer patients at BC Children’s Hospital. Currently, the technology can’t penetrate solid-tumour cells. But with additional funding and work, researchers believe they can make this leap.

Once funding is in place, the first focus will be on sarcomas – tumours in connective tissue and bone – and expand from there. Currently, fewer than one in six children with sarcomas survive, so funding for this project will quite literally save lives. It might save a life like Michael’s.

In addition to advances in immune therapy, the MCCCRP has been at the forefront of many important initiatives including more effective, safer therapies that reduce the lifelong side effects from cancer treatments, targeted medication for high risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients, and better diagnosis and treatment evaluation.

“We sincerely thank our Board of Directors, sponsors, family and friends for their generosity and supporting our goals for the past 25 years,” says Gloria. “Together, we can make a difference and fulfil Michael’s dream of one day seeing a world without childhood cancer.”

The Michael Cuccione Foundation is celebrating 25 years of making a difference. To donate and to learn more, visit childhoodcancerresearch.org.