Shattering Barriers: A Fresh Perspective

The Greenville Children's Hospital (GCH) Brain Tumor Program, a key component of the hospital's pediatric cancer division, is making waves in the medical community. This specialised program, renowned for its multidisciplinary care and innovative treatment strategies, is gaining a growing national reputation.

One of the program's standout features is its integration of advanced immunotherapy, including CAR T-cell therapy, and precision radiation therapy. CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge immunotherapeutic strategy, involves engineering a patient's immune T cells to identify and destroy cancer cells. This approach is believed to be a cornerstone of advanced programs like GCH's pediatric oncology initiatives.

Precision radiation techniques are also employed to control tumor growth while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This is particularly important in children, as preserving cognitive and endocrine function is crucial for their overall development.

The program's focus extends beyond just targeting tumor growth. It also aims to mitigate long-term side effects, such as reproductive dysfunction, an area recently recognised as critical in pediatric brain tumor care. Addressing these complications through early intervention and protective measures is an emerging best practice that elevates the program's national profile.

The team at GCH meets regularly to discuss new treatments and consults with other hospitals for their perspective. This collaborative approach ensures that the program stays at the forefront of pediatric neuro-oncology.

In 2023, the pediatric Hematology/Oncology division at GCH was ranked among the top 50 children's hospital programs for pediatric cancer. This ranking, coupled with the arrival of Jamie Flerlage, MD, from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital this fall, promises an exciting future for the program.

Flerlage's arrival will bring new leadership to the division, which has recently expanded to allow faculty to focus exclusively on their specialties. This expansion has resulted in a significant increase in referrals to the Brain Tumor Program, with patients coming from various locations including Singapore and India.

The neurology team at GCH provides long-term care to patients, particularly for those whose tumors cannot be physically removed. They also monitor mental and physical symptoms during treatment, including reducing neuro-cognitive impairment from radiation.

Brain tumors are the most common tumors in children under 14 and the most common solid-state tumors experienced by all kids. Despite this, survival rates for children with brain tumors are generally lower than for other forms of pediatric cancer. Some brain tumors cannot be surgically removed without risking neurological damage, necessitating consistent long-term monitoring.

The Brain Tumor Program is also participating in clinical trials for new treatments, such as ONC201 for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). One of the program's latest initiatives is a trial for the drug Day 101, a targeted treatment with fewer risks of attacking healthy cells.

While every level of treatment for brain tumors carries heightened risks, particularly the potential for negative effects on brain function, the Brain Tumor Program's innovative approach and willingness to push forward with new ideas have contributed to its growing national reputation.

One such success story is Finn Schillaci, a six-year-old patient who received treatment with selumetinib, resulting in a significant tumor reduction with minimal side effects. This case underscores the program's commitment to finding effective treatments while minimising harm to patients.

Dr. Korones, recognised for his dedication and care, leads the Brain Tumor Program. His work and the work of the team have earned them positive word-of-mouth referrals, further solidifying the program's reputation as a beacon of hope for children battling brain cancer.

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The integration of advanced immunotherapy, such as CAR T-cell therapy, in the Brain Tumor Program is a testament to the importance of science in healthcare.
Sleep is crucial for overall development, and sparing surrounding healthy tissue during precision radiation therapy in the Brain Tumor Program ensures optimal cognitive and endocrine function.
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