News
Just click on any of the links below to find out more information about specific parts of The Society.
Antibody Treatment (antiGD2) trial for high risk neuroblastoma patients
Children in the UK with high risk neuroblastoma are set to benefit from a new international clinical trial – funded by Cancer Research UK – which uses immunotherapy to help prevent the disease from coming back.
The phase III trial, which opened in the UK in December 2009, builds on early promising results from a US study, which found that treatment with immunotherapy – boosting the immune system to fight the disease – improved the chances of survival from the disease.
Download the Cancer Research UK press release here for further details.
Society Newsletters
Keep up to date about recent developments in treatment as well as general information about the Society’s activities by downloading our regular newsletters here.
Katie’s Garden
This simple, colourful, honest yet cheerful book is a story about a pre-school child who has Wilm’s tumour, but deals with hospital tests and other experiences a child being treated for neuroblastoma would encounter.
It was primarily produced for families affected by cancer, but it can also help siblings and friends of those affected by childhood cancer understand what is happening.
Download a copy here.
Spring Conference and AGM 2011
Details to be published soon.
Royal College of Nursing - Better at Home Campaign
Last year the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and WellChild launched the Better at Home campaign
to raise awareness of the many children and young people who remain in hospital for long periods of time when their ongoing care could be better and more cost effectively provided at home.
As part of the ongoing development of the campaign, WellChild is looking to develop a Parents' Charter.
The aim is to produce a short document of approximately ten statements illustrating the most important things to parents when caring for their child at home.
Download details of the campaign and how you can help.
The Adventures of Parker the Parrot Book
This new children’s reading book has five charming stories about a mischievous parrot, Parker,his owner Miss Brown, the local school mistress and the adventures they encounter.
The glossy paperback book in colour has been written by Jenny Homfray in memory of her grandson Felix Mason and she will generously donate half her royalties to the Society.
Download further details and an order form here.
Forthcoming Events
The 2011 NEUROBLASTOMA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM will be held on FRIDAY 14th OCTOBER 2011 at the Institute of Child Health in London in collaboration with SIOPEN (International Society of Paediatric Oncology European Neuroblastoma) and the UK CCLG (Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group). Further details are available on the Symposium 2011 page.
IMMUNOTHERAPY AND HIGH RISK NEUROBLASTOMA
This document gives information about the current UK/Siopen antibody trial, its status and eligibility criteria. To view the Consensus Document please click here.
Announcements and Information
The Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) a national, professional body responsible for the treatment and management of children with cancer in the UK. Its Neuroblastoma Working Group has prepared a statement about a proposed trial of an antibody agent as an addition element in the complex treatment protocol for children with high risk disease. Download this statement here.
A number of charities offer opportunities for children affected by neuroblastoma to take a holiday in a safe environment where staff are experienced in caring for a sick child. The Society offers a selection of such organisations for information but without recommendation as it is not in a position to assess their suitability for any particular child. Download details of Holidays and Recreational Breaks here.
If you are having difficulty getting suitable travel insurance Cancer Research UK has helpful information about specialist policies and insurance companies. Visit http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=4343#special for information.