101 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com No childhood cancer diagnosis is easy, but neuroblastoma is especially heart-wrenching. This rare cancer develops from immature nerve cells and most often affects children under the age of 5. It’s aggressive and emotionally devastating for families. Amid the uncertainty, one thing is clear: progress is happening, and much of that is thanks to researchers like Dr. Jacqueline Kraveka, DO, of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). “Neuroblastoma is one of the most aggressive pediatric tumors that we see. It’s one of the most common solid tumors we see, but also has one of the worst prognoses,” said Dr. Kraveka. Neuroblastoma originates as tumors in the peripheral nervous system. It can spread to the bones, bone marrow and other parts of the body. Its symptoms are often subtle or mistaken for common childhood ailments: fatigue, constipation, limping, bone pain or a noticeable abdominal mass. “Sometimes it’s discovered by accident,” explained Dr. Kraveka. “A child may go in for a routine check-up and the pediatrician feels a mass. Other times, abnormal bloodwork or signs of bone pain trigger further tests.” The disease is classified as low, intermediate or high risk. Children with high-risk neuroblastoma face an especially difficult road, requiring aggressive treatment and long-term follow-up care. Dr. Kraveka’s journey with neuroblastoma began during her pediatric residency in Miami, when she treated a patient who relapsed with neuroblastoma after a bone marrow transplant. She studied the neuroblastoma that grew from his marrow cells, and the experience left a lasting impression. “I knew then that I had to be involved in this fight,” she recounted. Dr. Kraveka has now been a faculty member at MUSC for over 25 years, specializing in pediatric oncology. She leads a research lab and runs clinical trials focused on neuroblastoma. Her work has gained national recognition through her collaboration with the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium, a network of institutions working together to improve outcomes for children. One of Dr. Kraveka’s most groundbreaking contributions is her work on eflornithine, recently approved by the FDA under the name IWILFIN. This medication is the first of its kind designed to prevent relapse in children with high-risk neuroblastoma. Improving All Odds BY ANNE TOOLE health & wellness Leading the fight against Neuroblastoma Dr. Kraveka and a young patient share a lighthearted moment. Groundbreaking treatments like IWILFIN have been developed in Dr. Kraveka’s research lab.
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