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Summary of the current trial being funded by J-A-C-K at UCHL

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In 2015 J-A-C-K were delighted to provide funding for a trial to be conducted at University College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust has specific and specialised facilities and staff for using molecular radiotherapy in order to help treat Neuroblastoma.

JACK provided for a grant in order to employ a research scientist who could explore aspects of dosage, [‘dosimetry’], associated with the use of 177-Lutetium DOTATATE, (LuDO), involving children being treated for Neuroblastoma. In January 2016 Dr Matthew Aldridge was appointed to conduct the research. This trial followed funding for Dr Jenny Gains during the years 2010 – 2013 in relation to molecular radiotherapy for children with Neuroblastoma.

The current phase II a trial of 177 Lutetium DOTATATE in children with primary refractory or relapsed high risk Neuroblastoma seeks to implement and clarify understanding in relation to:

  • Continued support of the trial
  • Administration of 177 Lu-Dotatate to patients and practical aspects of data production.
  • Accurate calculation of Dosimetry data, (tumour sites and organs at risk).
  • Completion of relevant CRFs, (response assessment/ 123 I-mIBG scoring / administration details / dosimetry).
  • Publication of dosimetry methodology
  • Design of next trial incorporating 117 Lu-DOTATATE with 131 I-mIBG and radiosensitisers. Subject to regular review J-A-C-K will continue to support this trial throughout 2017/18.This process of molecular radiotherapy can help to destroy the cancer cells but it can have unwanted effects on healthy tissue. Dosimetry studies may help refine the ability to define an individual’s effective dosage. To align dosage with a patient’s cells characteristics may make it possible to optimise the effective properties of the deployment of the treatment and whilst minimising the prospect for unwanted secondary effects.
  • In simple terms and considering the question, ‘why is it helpful to consider dosimetry when employing molecular radiotherapy?’ UCHL indicates. ‘Molecular radiotherapy employs delivery of radiation to malignant tissue via the interaction of a radiopharmaceutical with molecular sites and receptors’. Please see their website for more detailed comments: www.ucl.ac.uk/nuclearmedicine/research/researchabstracts/molecularradiotherapy.

Jack Brown

Jack Brown
Emergency Grant for Neuroblastoma FamiliesFunds have been made available by J-A-C-K and Solving Kids’ Cancer to help families in the UK affected by Neuroblastoma

An Emergency grant is available for Neuroblastoma families facing financial loss or increased costs because of Coronavirus measures.

Funds have been made available by J-A-C-K and Solving Kids’ Cancer to help families in the UK affected by Neuroblastoma (low, intermediate or high-risk), who face financial loss or increased costs due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Guidelines have been issued by the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group asking that families of children and young people on active cancer treatment, or within 6 months following the completion of treatment, stay at home for the next 12 weeks. These guidelines are being reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. This is in line with the government guidance.

Parents / Guardians who are self-isolating alongside the child and that suffer financial loss or increased costs as a result may apply to the emergency fund for an initial grant towards their immediate subsistence costs.

Emergency grants of £250 are available now for those who are facing financial loss or increased costs as a result of the need of their child to stay home for the stated 12 weeks.

Additional support may be made available at a later stage for families facing acute financial loss because of the rapidly evolving public health crisis.

Criteria for accessing the grant is as follows;

  • You are the guardian of a child with Neuroblastoma (low, intermediate or high-risk) who is currently in active treatment, or within 6 months following the completion of treatment (at the point of application).
  • You have suffered financial loss or increased costs as a result of the need to self-isolate with your child which cannot be remedied by the emergency measures in place which can be found on the government website which is being continually updated. Also here.

To apply for the £250 emergency grant simply complete the form below and submit it by email to familygrant@solvingkidscancer.org.uk along with a copy of a letter or other documentary evidence from your Clinician or Medical institution which provides evidence of the active treatment of your child or treatment within the last six months (of the date of application).

We, at JACK, are thankful for the ability to provide money alongside SKC to the emergency fund for families. We are grateful to Solving Kids Cancer UK for administering the process and applications for the grant must be made via the email to Solving Kids Cancer.