The Importance of Clinical Trials to Cure Childhood Cancer

The rapid progress in finding cures for childhood cancers over the last 40 years was made possible largely because of the high enrollment of kids with cancer on clinical trials. Dr. Michael Link, M.D., the first pediatric oncologist to serve as president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), states in a recent article featured on South Florida Sun-Sentinel, “these trials are the vehicles through which cancer treatments are developed and refined. They remain the most powerful tool for advancing the care of both childhood and adult cancers.” The first Research Priorities Summit held by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in 2010, co-chaired by Dr. Link, also recognized the importance of these trials and committed clinical trial research as a funding priority for the Foundation.

Dr. Link calls for an “upgrade” to the nation’s current clinical trial system, which has been “weakened by a labyrinth of regulatory requirements and years of under-funding,” he says. “Its traditional clinical trial designs are insufficient… and pharmaceutical companies and researchers are discouraged from sharing ideas, due to a lack of incentives or clear processes for collaboration.” Read more about the ASCO’s recommendations for improving advances in clinical trials.

If advances are going to be made in the field of childhood cancer research, clinical trials, collaboration, and increased funding are critical. Join us in the fight - make a donation that funds this life-saving kids’ cancer research.