The Gateway for Cancer Research Funds Novel Pediatric Cancer Clinical Trials; Annual Cures Gala Event to Help Meet Funding Needs for More Research Studies

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Every day counts and every moment matters for today’s cancer patients; they are counting on us.

Schaumburg, Illinois (PRWEB) September 26, 2013

No parent should ever hear the words, “your child has cancer.” Sadly, it’s a stark reality that many families have to face as more than 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. While trends reported by the National Cancer Institute indicate more children are overcoming cancer and thriving as survivors today, The Gateway for Cancer ResearchSM believes more must be done. The internationally-reaching nonprofit organization is funding new clinical trials to ensure tomorrow’s generation is spared from the painful realities of this aggressive disease.

“Far too many children have been affected by cancer. What once was a disease relegated to aging relatives has now become an up-close and personal reality for thousands of children and their young friends,” said Karen Kay, director of development at Gateway for Cancer Research, a nonprofit organization that funds early phase cancer clinical trials purposed to help cancer patients feel better, live longer or be cured today, when it matters most.

With money received from generous donors and charitable businesses, The Gateway for Cancer Research seeks out leading researchers and provides much-needed funding for early phase cancer clinical trials. Gateway is not only funding 26 clinical trials for adults, but also supporting two pediatric cancer clinical trials that give hope to young cancer patients. Approximately 75 percent of children diagnosed with cancer survive, with many facing serious medial complications, secondary cancer diagnoses and cognitive impairments. Gateway is partnering with researchers who are pursuing new treatment approaches that aim to increase the odds of children surviving and thriving after cancer.

“What we need to see in the cancer research field is innovation for not only adults diagnosed with cancer, but also for the brave children battling this disease,” added Kay. “Lifesaving treatments are within reach, but we need to raise awareness and money to fund cancer clinical trials that are solutions-driven. Today’s young cancer patients need better treatments, too.”

With funding from Gateway, Dr. Frank Balis of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is exploring a new way to improve and retain quality of life in children undergoing treatment for osteosarcoma, a cancer of the bone. By leveraging the attributes of an FDA-approved proton pump inhibitor drug, Dr. Balis is hoping to reduce toxicity and to prevent kidney damage and hearing loss, which are common and burdensome side effects for patients undergoing chemotherapy for this type of cancer.

At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Gateway-funded researcher Dr. Weili Sun is leading a progressive clinical trial to reduce the high relapse rate in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). As the disease progresses, specific genes are suppressed and patients become less responsive to chemotherapy treatment. Dr. Sun is applying a novel epigenetic priming approach to reverse this process and thereby overcome drug resistance and increase chemotherapy response rates among patients with relapsed AML.

On Oct. 26, The Gateway for Cancer Research will shine a light on the funding needs for both adult and pediatric cancer research at its annual Cures Gala black-tie event in Chicago. This year’s theme, Every Moment Matters, conveys a sense of urgency that today’s cancer patients need better cancer treatment solutions now. Gateway-funded researcher Dr. Frank Balis will present his research study, while special celebrity guests will share their personal stories and rally support around Gateway’s cause to fund innovative cancer clinical trials.

“At the Cures Gala we celebrate advancements in cancer research and the impact of Gateway-funded clinical trials.” Kay said. “But, until we discover a cure for cancer, we are committed to raising funds that will equip cancer researchers with the resources they need to lead promising, new cancer clinical trials. Every day counts and every moment matters for today’s cancer patients; they are counting on us.”

For more about The Gateway for Cancer Research and its annual Cures Gala event, visit curesgala.org or call (888) 221-2873.

About The Gateway for Cancer Research
The Gateway for Cancer Research is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization committed to funding innovative cancer research and bold new ideas for lifesaving treatments that can make a difference today. Thanks to generous underwriting, 99 cents of every dollar received funds phase I and phase II cancer clinical trials all over the world to find better treatments and cures for today’s cancer patients. Since its founding in 1991, Gateway has supported more than 100 clinical trials and funded millions in leading-edge research, including blending the best of conventional and complementary/alternative therapies. It’s time to stop cancer. Get involved today by visiting DemandCuresToday.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/demandcures and join the conversation on Twitter @DemandCures.

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