A $25,000 grant from the St. Baldrick's Foundation has been awarded to Dr. Karen Fernandez, a pediatric oncologist at Valley Children's Hospital, to advance oncology research. The funding will support clinical trials and research initiatives aimed at improving treatment outcomes for children with cancer.
Dr. Fernandez emphasized the significance of the grant, noting that it will expand the hospital's capacity for oncology research. "That money essentially is going to help us to open up the space for the work we do in the research department for our oncology research," she stated. The National Cancer Institute estimates that over 9,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in children aged 0-14 in 2024. Pediatric cancer remains the most common cause of death in pediatrics compared to other diseases.
The grant will enable Valley Children's Hospital to enroll more patients from the Central Valley in clinical trials without requiring them to travel long distances. "It allows us to enroll more patients in the Central Valley without them having to leave their hometowns," Dr. Fernandez explained, highlighting the importance of local access to cutting-edge treatments.
Dr. Fernandez also noted the evolution of childhood cancer treatment, particularly the emergence of targeted therapies. "There are monoclonal antibodies that specifically target cancer cells not only in solid tumors, but only in leukemia," she said, adding that these therapies produce fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments. The focus on targeted therapies reflects a broader effort to improve the efficacy and tolerability of cancer treatments for children.
With the support of the St. Baldrick's Foundation grant, Dr. Fernandez and her team are optimistic about the future of pediatric cancer treatment. Their ultimate goal is to cure childhood cancers and improve the survival rates for young patients battling this disease.
