January 20, 2020

Patients with Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers got the surprise of a lifetime last week when Houston Astros players José Altuve, Joe Biagini, Dustin Garneau and Myles Straw, as well as Orbit, the team’s mascot, paid them a visit in The Zone and in some of their hospital rooms.

The visit was part of the Houston Astros Caravan, a yearly event that occurs prior to the onset of spring training to pump up fans for the upcoming season. Organized by the Astros Foundation, this year’s caravan kicked off January 13 and ended January 16 with stops in cities across Texas.

“We are delighted that Texas Children’s is one of our stops,” said Twila Carter, executive director of the foundation. “Our largest audience is kids and we are grateful to be able to provide them with an opportunity to have some fun.”

For more than an hour Altuve, Biagini, Garneau, Straw and Orbit hugged, high-fived, visited with and took selfies with patients and families awaiting treatment or appointments in the Cancer and Hematology Centers. The players also signed autographs and participated in arts and crafts with the children and families.

“My friend is going to flip out when I tell her I got Altuve’s autograph for her,” said Jane Lange as she watched the baseball player shoot pool with another patient. “She is going to be so happy!”

Shayne Pederson said the players’ visit to his son Brock’s hospital room in the Cancer Center was a much-needed distraction from what has been several days of surgeries and doctor’s appointments. The players spent about 15 minutes talking with Brock and his family. They also signed autographs and snapped several photos.

“I haven’t seen him (Brock) smile like that in a while,” said Amye Pederson, Brock’s mother. “This has been really awesome.”

Dr. Susan Blaney, director of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, attended the event and said respites such as these are greatly appreciated.

“Our patients, families and staff work hard each and every day to combat cancer,” Blaney said. “Adding some fun to that hard work is always a bonus, and we are thankful that the Astros provided that opportunity.”

The Astros will start their new season March 26 at home against the Los Angeles Angels.

October 24, 2019

When Lance McLean was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) a little over a year ago his world as he knew it stopped.

The 18-year-old football fanatic was told he had to quit the sport he loved and that he would never play it again. He also was told he would miss much of his junior year of high school, including homecoming.

“Cancer is terrible,” McLean said. “It’s uniquely hard for teenagers.”

McLean said he’s traded hanging out with friends and playing football for getting chemotherapy and going to doctor appointments. A portion of his time is dedicated to sitting in the waiting room at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, a place that’s packed with entertainment for young children but lacks an area where teenagers can hang out and relax.

“I love seeing kids watch shows like Doc McStuffins, but I’ve kind of grown out of that,” McLean joked. “I would love to have any area where I can sit back, relax and play video games.”

Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Astros Foundation announced Wednesday at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers they are working toward making Lance’s wish come true. Combined, the two organizations donated $50,000 to the Cancer and Hematology Centers to fund a teen waiting area in the centers’ clinic on the 14th floor of the Mark A. Wallace Tower.

Melanie LeGrande, vice president of Social Responsibility for MLB, said the organization’s gift of $25,000 was part of the its inaugural “Fall Classic Legacy Initiative,” which provided funding for community enrichment projects to both the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals in recognition of each Club advancing to the 2019 World Series. The effort is an extension of the longstanding All-Star Legacy Initiative, which has contributed more than $90 million to enrichment projects in All-Star host communities since 1997.

“MLB is all about supporting youth,” LeGrande said. “We are extremely excited about being here today and about supporting youth at Texas Children’s.”

Reid Ryan, president of business operations for the Houston Astros, said he is confident the $25,000 gift from MLB and the additional $25,000 from the Astros Foundation will go toward creating a wonderful space for patients like Lance.

“Baseball brings community together and that is what is happening here today,” Ryan said. “I’m excited to see the space come together.”

Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Director Dr. Susan Blaney said as one of the largest pediatric Cancer and Hematology Centers in the country, we treat many teenage patients every year from across the country, and that the centers’ staff is dedicated to treating the entire patient, which includes meeting them where they are in their journey.

“By creating this teen waiting area, MLB and the Astros Foundation are helping provide a space where our teen patients can retreat and participate in age-appropriate activities centered on their interests,” Blaney said. “We can’t even begin to tell you how much this will mean to them and their families.”

October 15, 2019

Cami Cannary and Milli Cruz are truly a dynamic duo. The mother and daughter both have faced pediatric cancer and fought it with everything they’ve got.

Cami was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 1989 and battled it with the help of Dr. ZoAnn Dreyer, director of the Texas Children’s Cancer Center’s Long-Term Survivor Program. Diagnosed with leukemia in 2018 when she was just 20 years old, Milli also is Dr. Dreyer’s patient, receiving care at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. She currently is in the maintenance phase of her treatment plan and is looking forward to completing her therapy in about a year.

“It’s been a long, tough road, but I’m getting to the good spots, and my mom has been a huge help,” Milli said. “She’s provided me with so much support and insight that only she could give.”

To celebrate how far they both have come, Milli and Cami, along with other cancer patients and survivors, walked the runway on October 11 at the 12th Annual Champions Luncheon and Fashion Show, formerly known as the Celebration of Champions, at River Oaks Country Club.

“Caregivers at Texas Children’s Cancer Center recognize that health concerns for childhood cancer patients do not end when their cancer treatment is successfully completed,” said Dr. Susan Blaney, Director of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers. “The Long-Term Survivor Program, which currently follows about 1,500 pediatric cancer survivors, has developed an international reputation as a leader in the field and has attracted world-renowned faculty involved in local, national and international research that benefits today’s pediatric cancer patients and future survivors.”

During the event, pediatric cancer patients and survivors from Texas Children’s Cancer Center were escorted down the runway by local philanthropists or “Community Champions.” Milli and Cami were paired with Dreyer, who said she has never cared for both a parent and a child during her career at Texas Children’s.

“These two women are very special,” Dreyer said. “They have a powerful bond, and I’m so glad they are getting to celebrate that today at this beautiful event.”

View photos from the event below.

Five-year-old Gatlin Massey walked the runway with Ed and Gwen Emmett. Ed Emmett served as Harris County Judge for 12 years and is now a professor at Rice University, a senior fellow at Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research, and a distinguished senior fellow at Northeastern University’s Global Resilience Institute. Gwen Emmett is active in the community on many levels and is currently board chair for Baker Ripley. Her passion is children and making them safe and capable young adults.

“It’s absolutely wonderful to be part of something so special,” Gwen Emmett said.

The Champions Luncheon was chaired by Sidney Faust, Judi McGee, Elsie Eckert and Scott Basinger, who have overseen the luncheon each year since its inception. Thanks to underwriting by Faust Distributing Company and Mach Industrial Group, Inc., each patient was able to keep his or her hand-picked outfit – much to the delight of the “models.”

All funds raised during the luncheon will benefit Texas Children’s Cancer Center’s Long-Term Survivor Program, one of the nation’s only long-term childhood cancer survivor programs that sees survivors through adulthood. Today, more than 37,000 survivors treated at 138 clinics around the world are using Passport for Care, a free online resource developed at Texas Children’s Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine that provides individualized health care information to guide care for effects from childhood cancer treatment. Patients who are not signed up through their clinic may benefit from Passport for Care’s resources by using the newly-developed Screenings Recommendations Generator.

The Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic in McAllen, Texas, a site of Texas Children’s Cancer Center, hosted a similar fundraising event on September 25. The 6th Annual Celebration of Heroes Fashion Show and Luncheon was held at the McAllen Convention Center and raised over $140,000. All proceeds benefitted the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic’s Charitable Care Program. For more information about Vannie Cook, click here.

September 26, 2019

The Sickle Cell Program at Texas Children’s Hematology Center is the largest in Texas, serving more than 1,000 children a year. The clinic offers the latest treatments for the inherited red blood cell disorder and conducts some of the top research in the field.

The program’s multidisciplinary staff is made up of board-certified pediatric hematologists, hematology-trained nurse practitioners and physician assistants, research staff, as well as social worker and child life specialists. A couple of providers suffer from sickle cell themselves, giving them a unique perspective in caring for their patients.

Texas Children’s Sickle Cell Program Hematologist Dr. Titilope Fasipe and Nurse Practitioner Precious Uwaezuoke both have sickle cell disease. In honor of National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, we talked to them about why they chose to dedicate their profession to caring for children with sickle cell disease and whether living with the disease has allowed them to better connect with patients and their family members.

How has sickle cell affected your life?

Uwaezuoke: My journey with sickle cell has been a tough one. I was in and out of the hospital multiple times when I was younger and there were occasions when I would get depressed. Thanks to family and staff here at Texas Children’s Sickle Cell Program, I was encouraged to stay the course. Sickle cell flares still occur, but I’m able to manage my disease by living a healthy lifestyle and hydroxyurea therapy.

Fasipe: I too suffered from bouts of depression during my early years of battling sickle cell disease. One of my lowest points was when my cousin died from the disease at just 17 years old. Childhood deaths related to sickle cell are not uncommon in Nigeria, which is where I’m from and where screenings and treatments are limited. Because of this, I try not to take life for granted and believe in treasuring all moments, big and small. Like Precious, hydroxyurea has also made a positive difference in my life.

Why did you decide to get into the medical field and help people like yourself?

Uwaezuoke: The treatment I received and the people I met at Texas Children’s inspired me to go into the medical field and help people like myself. I will never forget a nurse who told me to not let sickle cell take over my life; that I could and would be able to do more than just deal with my disease. The connection she made with me during that hard stay in the hospital is part of what made me pursue what is now my passion.

Fasipe: My cousin’s death and my parents’ encouragement motivated me to make a difference in the world and to do work that would help prevent any more deaths like hers. I chose pediatric hematology because I wanted to reach sickle cell patients and their families before they defined how their lives are going to be; and teach them that life can still be beautiful with this disease.

How has having sickle cell helped you connect with patients and families?

Uwaezuoke: A lot of people are devastated when they find out their child has sickle cell disease. Some think it’s a death sentence. The minute I tell them I have the disease and have managed to live a productive, well-balanced life, they break down in tears. They are overjoyed to meet someone older who is living with and managing their disease.

Fasipe: I think many of the families think I can read their minds! For the parents, I acknowledge the guilt and worry they have; and for the children, I acknowledge their pain and fears. After discussing the challenges, we then talk about how we can work together to best manage their disease. The bravery I have seen in our patients has inspired me to become a community sickle cell advocate. I have participated in several Houston sickle cell programs, and served on the first Sickle Cell Advisory Committee of the Texas Department of State Health Services. Precious and I also help coordinate the Texas Children’s Hematology Center’s annual Sickle Cell Education and Research Day, which was recently held at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

How much progress is being made in finding better treatments cures, for sickle cell disease?

Uwaezuoke: I’m very optimistic. Funding for sickle cell research continues to grow as well as the number of people trying to find better ways to help people with the disease. People who have sickle cell are living longer, especially here in the United States where newborns are screened. All of these things are a step in the right direction.

Fasipe: We are learning more about this disease every day. There are currently several disease-modifying treatments in various stages of the research pipeline; some with successful clinical trials. Gene therapy trials have also shown promise to be a more universal cure than bone marrow transplant, which is only available to a few patients. I am encouraged by how far things have come since I was a child. And, I believe things will only get better.

To learn more about The Sickle Cell Program at Texas Children’s Hematology Center, click here.

September 17, 2019

As one of the best pediatric cancer centers in the nation, experts at Texas Children’s Cancer Center are on the forefront of cutting-edge basic, translational and clinical research. The center’s world-renowned faculty have pioneered many of the now standard protocols for treating and curing children with cancer.

Scientists and clinical experts at the center are conducting more than 250 clinical trials – more than the majority of pediatric cancer centers in the nation. In addition, the center’s Developmental Therapeutics Program and its Cell and Gene Therapy Program have been leaders in the study of novel agents and immunotherapies, respectively, for the treatment of childhood cancer.

“Our physicians employ evidence-based guidelines and the most advanced clinical trials in the delivery of oncology care,” said Cancer Center Director Dr. Susan Blaney. “Our vast expertise in the development of new therapeutics means our patients have access to the most advanced and innovative therapies.”

Dr. Andras Heczey, one of the Cancer Center’s physician scientists and a member of the newly-formed Sky High Immunotherapy Center, is working with colleagues in his laboratory to develop novel treatments for children with solid tumors. His work is a prime example of what the Cancer Center is doing to advance treatments and ultimately find a cure for a disease that remains the leading cause of non-accidental death in children.

In honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we interviewed Heczey about his research and why he thinks such work is so important to enhanced patient care.

What is the focus of your research?
My research focuses on redirecting the normal immune system to attack cancer cells. T cells are a type of white blood cell that participate in the immune response. I am using genetically engineered T cells to treat liver tumors in children and Natural Killer T (NK-T) cells to treat neuroblastoma, a childhood tumor that most commonly involves the adrenal gland.

How exactly does this work?
We take patients’ white blood cells from a simple blood draw, modify them in the test tube to recognize and kill tumor cells, and then re-infuse these genetically engineered (modified) cells into the patient’s blood stream. The idea is that we train the immune system to kill the cancer cells. In patients with neuroblastoma, we modify Natural Killer T cells to express a protein called chimeric antigen receptor (CAR for short) that targets GD2, a molecule on tumor cells but not on normal tissues. When the Natural Killer T cells arrive at the neuroblastoma tissue, they recognize the GD2 molecule and kill the cancer cells. In liver cancer patients, we are using a similar strategy using T cells that express CAR targeting a molecule called Glypican-3, which is primarily expresses on liver cancer cells.

Have you used these treatments in children at Texas Children’s?
Last summer, we started our first human clinical study in children who have relapsed or have refractory high-risk neuroblastoma. So far, three children have been treated. The results we have observed thus far are very promising. We also have started our first human clinical study in children with relapsed or refractory liver cancer. The first patient was recently treated and we are eagerly waiting for the results.

What else are you studying in your laboratory?
In addition to developing strategies to kill the tumor cell, we are also closely studying the tumor environment. We know that when genetically engineered cells enter the tumor, the cancer cells and other cells within the tumor will fight back. We don’t really know how this happens. We have some ideas, but we and others in the field are closely evaluating what happens in human tumors after the engineered cells are infused. This is really important because we want to make sure our cell therapies are effective and that the responses are sustained and the patients are cured. Ultimately, we’ll also need to develop techniques to engineer the cells inside the body. Right now, we have to grow and test the cells before infusing them into the patient. This typically takes four to six weeks, depending on the product and how many cells needed to be manufactured. A patient cannot always wait that long. In the future, we envision strategies where a patient’s immune cells are engineered inside their body to quickly redirect them against the growing tumor cells.

Are you encouraged by what you are finding?
Yes, I am very encouraged. We are getting closer each and every day to finding a cure for some forms of childhood cancer.

Click here to view a preview of the next installment of “This is Cancer: Reflections from our patients.” This installment focuses on Tajah, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma after visiting Texas Children’s Emergency Center with intense knee pain. The 13-year-old had to have her knee and femur removed. Surgeons replaced them with a metal extendable one, which will prevent her from undergoing several additional surgeries as she grows. The “This is Cancer” series documents the journeys of several families receiving care at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. Their stories illustrate in intimate detail what they’re experiencing and how to better support them. Click here to learn more.

September 10, 2019

Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers is one of the largest cancer and blood disorder centers in the country, diagnosing more than 4,000 new patients a year. Over the past decade, patients from all over the world have traveled to Texas Children’s because they know we are a leader in family-centered care and provide personalized, comprehensive services that address both the physical and emotional aspects of the disease.

Named No. 3 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report 2019-2020 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings, Texas Children’s Cancer Center comprises a multidisciplinary team of dedicated and compassionate physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, child life specialists, social workers and other subspecialists who care for the physical, emotional and psychosocial needs of young patients.

Our world-renowned staff of nearly 200 faculty and more than 1,000 employees have pioneered many of the now standard protocols for treating and curing pediatric cancer and blood disorders. In addition, we provide a full range of pediatric subspecialty care available in-house 24 hours a day and treat all pediatric cancer and blood disorders, even the rarest disorders.

In addition to providing world-class, comprehensive patient care, our hematologist/oncologists are leading the way in advancing pediatric cancer and hematology research. The Cancer and Hematology Centers have 47 laboratories and more than 350 people who are engaged in research to help revolutionize cutting-edge therapies for treating and ultimately curing all childhood cancers and blood disorders.

“Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, world renowned for its clinical care, research and education, offers innovative therapies for all forms of childhood cancer and blood disorders,” said Dr. Susan Blaney, director of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers. “In addition, physicians-scientists at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers are working relentlessly to improve the outcome for all patients afflicted with these diseases and to develop and perfect new treatment approaches that emanate from some of their most extraordinary scientific insights and discoveries.”

All of this and more is why Texas Children’s Cancer Center is continuously ranked by U.S. News as one of the best places in the nation to receive pediatric care. The rankings use a well-accepted framework for evaluating quality of health care, which factors in patient outcomes, such as mortality and infection rates; available clinical resources, such as specialized clinics and programs and external accreditations; and compliance with best practices. Improved rankings demonstrate a health care organization’s commitment to not only providing high-quality care, but also to identifying gaps where improvements are needed.

Big wins for patients and families

This past year, the Cancer Center built on its legacy of success and implemented new initiatives to increase transparency, reduce risk of infection and improve the quality of care. Here are some of the center’s big wins for patients and families:

  • Made significant improvements to reduce Central line-associated bloodstream infection rate

Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers’ leadership team identified high-risk central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) patients and increased rounding with the Centers’ infection control medical director, infection control practitioner and leadership team. Beginning in 2019, the Clinical Operations Team also partnered with nursing, pharmacy and physicians within the Centers, as well as with other departments, including but not limited to, Pediatric Surgery, Infectious Disease, Interventional Radiology and Anesthesia to develop a standardized central line placement and removal practice to decrease variations in line placement and care. These efforts have facilitated a reduction in Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers CLABSI rates from 1.31 in 2018 to 0.82 in 2019. Leaders anticipate the rate will lower next year.

  • Implemented computerized provider order entry system for chemotherapy orders

In partnership with Information Services, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers implemented Epic Beacon, which is the oncology module in Epic that allows physicians to input orders for services, such as chemotherapy, electronically. Adopting such technology is considered best practice as it provides clarity and automated calculations to enhance safety. It also allows these orders to be created and queued up in advance of patient visits for cancer treatment, which should improve patient satisfaction by decreasing wait times.

  • Increased the percentage of patients who received intravenous treatment of antibiotics within an hour of initial triage

The Texas Children’s Cancer Center maintained >95 percent compliance the administration of intravenous antibiotics within an hour of initial triage for oncology patients who were seen in the Texas Children’s Emergency Center and Texas Children’s Cancer Center’s Urgent Care Bay across Texas Children’s three hospital campuses. The Centers’ data tracking over the past year improved greatly due to the strong work of Warren Boudreau, director of Quality Outcomes and Impact Service, and his team. In partnership and collaboration with the Emergency Department, the Centers were able to decrease its antibiotic administration time by an average of 20 minutes. This timely administration of antibiotics in our pediatric patient population is a national standard for decreasing the incidence of sepsis, morbidity and mortality.

  • Increased five-year survival of patient with neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common solid tumors in children, and approximately 700 patients are diagnosed each year in the United States. Texas Children’s Cancer Center cares for patients of all ages diagnosed with neuroblastoma, which in the later stages is a highly aggressive tumor. For localized, low stage neuroblastoma Stage L1, the Center’s survival rate was 100 percent. For metastatic neuroblastoma, the survival rate was 53 percent, a 10 percent improvement from the previous year. Metaiodobenzylguanidine or MIBG therapy is likely a contributing factor to the Center’s increased success as well as the availability of varying molecular and targeted therapies, and new treatment protocols.

  • Closed out all structural related metrics

As described in the methodology section of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals’ publication, structure refers to hospital resources directly related to patient care and includes the ratio of nurses to patients, the presence of specialized clinics and programs and the certification by recognized external organizations. The Cancer and Hematology Centers were able to successfully demonstrate that each of these services were available, including molecular oncology/targeted therapy programs, an on-site inpatient pediatric rehabilitation unit with individualized dedicated cancer rehabilitation programming, participation in the Solutions for Patient Safety Hematology/Oncology CLABSI Working Group and maintenance of a quality committee with an identified medical director/leader.

Cancer survivor Sophia Sereni took center stage last week at one of the three Going Gold celebrations held at Texas Children’s hospitals in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness month.

Standing before a packed conference room in the Pavilion for Women, the curly-haired teen sang “Be Golden,” a gentle but strong song she wrote with Purple Songs Can Fly following treatment for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. Click here to listen to the full song.

“This has been an amazing experience,” Sophia said. “I’m so glad I could be part of such an important cause.”

Following Sophia’s performance and dressed in bright gold shirts and other festive gear, fellow survivors, current patients, families, Texas Children’s Cancer Center employees and others marched for childhood cancer awareness, ending their short trek on The Auxiliary Bridge where they participated in a ribbon tying event and received information from various support organizations.

View photos from the events below.

Sponsored by The Faris Foundation, similar events and parades were held last week at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands. A celebration will be held this week at Vannie Cook Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic in McAllen, Texas.

“Each year, the events get bigger and better,” said Asha Virani, founder of The Faris Foundation and the mother of Faris D. Virani, who lost his battle with Ewing sarcoma and inspired Texas Children’s to “Go Gold.” “It’s a golden opportunity to spread awareness and love. Texas Children’s has been a leader in making this cause so visible.”

Khole Henry, an 8-year-old cancer patient, said she attended the event last year and was so excited to hear that it was going to happen again this year.

“My favorite part is the snacks!” Khole beamed as she grabbed a couple of bite-sized bags of M&Ms for later. “I’m glad I got to come.”

Director of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Dr. Susan Blaney said she is glad so many people turned out to raise awareness for such an important cause and that even though great strides have been made in combatting childhood cancer, there is still work to be done.

“We need a cure for every child diagnosed with cancer,” Blaney said. “That’s why we have to keep doing laboratory and clinical research, keep developing novel treatment approaches and continue raising awareness about childhood cancer.”

Last year alone, almost 600 children were diagnosed with cancer at Texas Children’s. The disease remains the leading cause of non-accidental death in children. Help spread the word that pediatric cancer is a serious disease and that Texas Children’s Cancer Center is here to help. For more information about the Cancer Center, click here.

Click here to view a preview of the next installment of “This is Cancer: Reflections from our patients.” This installment focuses on Owen, who was barely 2 years old when doctors found a mass the size of a grapefruit surrounding his heart and cutting off his airway. Since then, his tiny body has been through a lot. But, as his mom Emily says, not even cancer can slow this energetic toddler down. The “This is Cancer” series documents the journeys of several families receiving care at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. Their stories illustrate in intimate detail what they’re experiencing and how to better support them. Click here to learn more.