Clinical trial gives hope to tamariki with rare childhood cancer
Clinical trial gives hope to tamariki with rare childhood cancer
RMS is a devastating cancer for children and their whanau. But thanks to funding from Cancer Research Trust New Zealand, young Kiwi patients can now take part in a world-leading clinical trial.
Most people haven’t heard of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) — let alone know how to pronounce it! But for the small number of tamariki in Aotearoa diagnosed with this rare soft tissue cancer every year, RMS is life-altering in every possible way.
With an average five-year survival rate of just 66%, treatment involves a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. It’s a gruelling treatment regime for anyone — and even harder on children – especially considering most tamariki diagnosed with RMS are under 5 years old. That’s why global collaboration is essential to improve survival and quality of life for these young patients.
One major step forward is the FaR-RMS study (Frontline and Relapsed Rhabdomyosarcoma) – a groundbreaking international clinical trial developed by the European Paediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Group. Thanks to Christchurch-based paediatric oncologist Dr Tristan Pettit and the backing of Cancer Research Trust New Zealand, Kiwi children with RMS now have the chance to take part in this world-leading trial.
In 2021, Dr Pettit received a grant from the Trust to lead New Zealand’s involvement in the FaR-RMS study. Since then, 10 children from Aotearoa have joined patients from the UK, Europe, and Australia in this revolutionary trial.
While outcomes are still being assessed, the opportunity to participate in such a significant study offers something vital to children and their families affected by RMS: hope.
“Taking part in international clinical trials is one of the most powerful ways to improve survival for children with cancer”, explains Tristan. “This clinical trial is asking important research questions which may improve survival outcomes for children with rhabdomyosarcoma now and in the future. We are incredibly grateful to the Trust for helping make this possible”.
To Dr Pettit – and to our generous donors – thank you. You are helping ensure that no Kiwi child with RMS misses out on the best chance at a better outcome. You have given them hope! And when fighting cancer, hope makes all the difference.
