The Hospital for Sick Children

Two studies found that using SSPedi, a tool for young cancer patients to report symptoms, led to fewer symptoms and better supportive care. The trials, published in JAMA and JAMA Pediatrics, showed that daily symptom reporting reduced distress and improved symptom management. The findings suggest that patient-reported outcomes can significantly improve care for young cancer patients.

The Phase III AALL1731 trial showed Blincyto (blinatumomab) significantly improved three-year disease-free survival (DFS) in pediatric patients with standard-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) when added to chemotherapy, with a 61% decrease in relapse risk. The trial's interim analysis led to early termination due to the observed benefit, highlighting Blincyto's potential as a transformative treatment in this patient population.

A clinical trial combining standard chemotherapy with blinatumomab for newly diagnosed B-ALL in children showed a 61% reduction in relapse or death risk, significantly improving disease-free survival rates, marking a new standard of care in childhood cancer treatment.

Santiago, diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), participated in a clinical trial combining chemotherapy with blinatumomab, showing a 61% reduction in relapse risk. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, indicates blinatumomab significantly improves disease-free survival, potentially becoming the new standard of care for B-ALL patients.

A clinical trial combining chemotherapy with blinatumomab for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in children showed a 61% reduction in relapse risk, significantly improving disease-free survival rates, marking a new standard of care in childhood cancer treatment.

Adding BLINCYTO (blinatumomab) to chemotherapy significantly improves disease-free survival (DFS) in newly diagnosed pediatric patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), with a 3-year DFS of 96% compared to 87.9% with chemotherapy alone.

U of T researchers developed a computational method, Signature, using machine learning to study chromosome organization, aiding in understanding disease development. The method analyzes Hi-C data to identify inter-chromosomal contact points, validated through wet lab experiments, and aims to advance precision medicine by studying cancer genomes.

Preterm birth linked to lower education, employment, and income prospects, with earlier gestation worsening outcomes, highlighting need for long-term support beyond clinical care.

Authors and affiliations: Mohamed Ben-Eltriki, Aisha Rafiq, Arun Paul, Lauren E Kelly, Devashree Prabhu, Michael O. S. Afolabi, Robert Baslhaw, Salaheddin M Mahmud, Christine J Neilson, Thierry Lacaze-Masmonteil, Susan Marlin, Martin Offringa, Nancy Butcher, Anna Heath, Michelle Driedger. Contributions: MBE, AR, AP, DP, MO.S. A, CJ N, RB, SMM, TLM, SM, MO, NB, AH, MD, LEK. Correspondence: Mohamed Ben-Eltriki, Lauren E Kelly.

VITdALIZE-KIDS is a phase III, multicenter, double-blind RCT designed with CCCTG to assess vitamin D supplementation in PICU patients. The trial will recruit 766 patients from 11 Canadian centers, with randomization stratified by site. The primary outcome is HRQL at 28 ± 7 days post-intervention, measured by PedsQL™. A metabolomics sub-study will analyze blood and urine samples to understand the broader metabolic effects of vitamin D correction. Safety monitoring includes reporting adverse events and following Health Canada guidelines. The trial protocol adheres to SPIRIT guidelines and has received necessary ethical and regulatory approvals.