Overcoming Barriers

Overcoming Barriers

The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology division at GCH has made a significant mark in the healthcare industry, earning a spot among the top 50 children's hospital programs for pediatric cancer by U.S. News & World Report in 2023. This recognition comes particularly in the field of brain tumors, where GCH's program is gaining a growing national reputation.

One of the key factors contributing to this success is the addition of renowned expert Jamie Flerlage, who will join GCH as the new division chief and academic director for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology this fall. Flerlage is a specialist in Hodgkin's lymphoma, bringing valuable expertise to the team.

The GCH Brain Tumor Program is renowned for its focus on innovative treatments and clinical trials specifically for pediatric brain tumors. This approach combines expert clinical care with cutting-edge research methods, providing patients with the best possible outcomes. The program's multidisciplinary care model integrates novel therapies and participates in clinical trials to improve outcomes for children with brain tumors.

Six-year-old patient Finn Schillaci is a testament to the program's success. Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, Finn has shown significant improvement with the use of selumetinib, taking only two capsules twice a day with minimal side effects and a tumor shrinkage of over 50%.

Howard Silberstein, MD, professor of Neurosurgery, leads the surgical procedures for brain tumor patients at GCH for more than two decades. His expertise, along with that of other dedicated professionals, ensures that every patient receives the highest level of care.

The program has seen a significant increase in referrals, with numbers growing from 20 to 25 kids a year to over 40. This growth is largely due to families' positive experiences with the program, which influences referrals from throughout the US and Canada.

The GCH Brain Tumor Program is currently participating in several clinical trials, including ONC201 for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and Day 101, a targeted treatment against tumors with fewer risks of affecting healthy cells.

While every level of treatment for pediatric brain tumors carries heightened risks, the program is committed to minimizing these risks. Survival rates for pediatric brain tumors are generally lower than for other forms of pediatric cancer, but the Brain Tumor Program at GCH distinguishes itself by pushing the envelope on treatments and utilizing the medical center's Genetics team to identify rare conditions.

Teamwork and communication with other medical centers are crucial for determining when to utilize new treatments. The neurology team at GCH provides long-term care to brain tumor patients, monitoring both mental and physical symptoms during treatment and after remission. Louis Constine, MD, vice chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, has led GCH radiation treatments for over 40 years and is a world-renowned expert on the subject.

Brain tumors are the most common tumors in children under 14 and the most common solid-state tumors experienced by all kids. Referrals to the GCH Brain Tumor Program are coming from various locations, including outside the Finger Lakes region, New York State, and even Singapore and India.

Dr. Korones, the leader of the GCH Brain Tumor Program, is dedicated to providing quality outcomes, more referrals, and a growing national reputation through innovative ideas and teamwork. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of treatment and care is evident in the program's success and growth.

[1] HCG Oncology. (n.d.). Pediatric Brain Tumors. Retrieved from https://www.hcgoncology.com/conditions/pediatric-brain-tumors [2] Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. (n.d.). Brain Tumors. Retrieved from https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/brain-tumors [4] National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Pediatric Brain Tumor Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/patient/brain-treatment-pdq [5] American Brain Tumor Association. (n.d.). Pediatric Brain Tumor Clinical Trials. Retrieved from https://www.abta.org/research/clinical-trials/pediatric-brain-tumor-clinical-trials/

1. The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology division at GCH is recognized as one of the top 50 children's hospital programs for pediatric cancer.
2. Success in the healthcare industry has been attributed to the addition of renowned expert Jamie Flerlage, joining as the new division chief.
3. Flerlage specializes in Hodgkin's lymphoma and brings valuable expertise to the team.
4. Innovative treatments and clinical trials for pediatric brain tumors are a focus for the GCH Brain Tumor Program.
5. The program combines expert clinical care with cutting-edge research methods.
6. This approach provides patients with the best possible outcomes.
7. Six-year-old patient Finn Schillaci is a testament to the program's success, showing significant improvement with the use of selumetinib.
8. Howard Silberstein, MD, leads surgical procedures for brain tumor patients at GCH for over two decades.
9. The program has seen a significant increase in referrals, from 20 to 25 kids a year to over 40.
10. Growth in referrals is due to families' positive experiences with the program, which influences referrals from throughout the US and Canada.
11. The GCH Brain Tumor Program is currently participating in several clinical trials, such as ONC201 for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and Day 101.
12. Treatments aim to minimize risks, recognizing that every level of treatment for pediatric brain tumors carries heightened risks.
13. Survival rates for pediatric brain tumors are generally lower than for other forms of pediatric cancer.
14. Teamwork and communication with other medical centers are crucial for determining when to utilize new treatments.
15. The neurology team at GCH provides long-term care to brain tumor patients, monitoring both mental and physical symptoms during treatment and after remission.
16. Brain tumors are the most common tumors in children under 14 and the most common solid-state tumors experienced by all kids.
17. The neurology team at GCH works together with other departments to identify rare conditions.
18. GCH has a strong commitment to pushing the boundaries of treatment and care, fostering innovation and teamwork.
19. Children's healthcare is an important aspect of science, with ongoing research and clinical trials being conducted in pediatric brain tumors.
20. Science plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of therapies and treatments for pediatric brain tumors.
21. Workplace-wellness programs can help employees manage chronic diseases, such as chronic brain tumors or other medical conditions.
22. Aging may increase the risk of developing neurological disorders like brain tumors.
23. Mental health is essential in coping with the emotional stress of diagnoses related to conditions like brain tumors.
24. Men's health can also be impacted by conditions such as prostate cancer or skin conditions, and seeking medical care is vital.
25. CBD oil may be used as a treatment for seizures associated with certain neurological disorders, including epilepsy.
26. Neurological disorders can lead to cognitive impairments and memory loss, which may affect one's ability to engage in education and self-development, career development, job-search, or learning skills training.
27. Sports like football, soccer, WNBA, baseball, hockey, golf, and basketball can contribute to physical fitness and exercise and have an impact on overall health and wellness, digestive health, hearing, eye-health, skin-care, and cardiovascular health.

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