Dr. Kenneth De Santes will present an overview of the use of novel therapies to treat cancer such as Immunotherapy and Stem Cell Transplantation.
Immunotherapy is a broad category of anti-cancer therapies that use the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. These cancer cells are different from normal cells, in that they do not die normally. Think of these rapidly-dividing cells like an out-of-control copy machine that won’t stop creating images. These abnormal cells frequently change, or “mutate,” to evade the immune system. Immunotherapy drugs are designed to alert the immune system about these mutated cells so it can locate and destroy them.
Stem Cell Transplant (or Bone Marrow Transplant) is a procedure that infuses healthy blood stem cells into your body to replace your damaged or diseased bone marrow. A bone marrow transplant is also called a stem cell transplant.
A bone marrow transplant may be necessary if your bone marrow stops working and doesn't produce enough healthy blood cells. Stem Cell transplants may use cells from your own body (autologous transplant) or from a donor (allogeneic transplant).
Guest Speakers:
Dr. Kenneth De Santes is the Clinical Director of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology program, and Director of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant program at the American Family Children’s Hospital. He has written six book chapters and published over 30 research articles. His research interests include the treatment of neuroblastoma, and the use of immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation to treat pediatric cancer.
Barbara Byrne, Vice-President, Clinical Operations, will lead us on a tour of the American Family Children's Hospital. Barb has served at progressed through the nursing ranks at American Family Children's Hospital including clinical nurse specialist/pediatric nurse practitioner in pediatric hematology/oncology. In her role as vice president of clinical operations, Barb provides overall responsibility for inpatient nursing units including the level IV NICU, the pediatric trauma program, pediatric surgical services and operating room, pediatric specialty clinics, pediatric primary clinics, Child Life services, pediatric pain, and pediatric palliative care.
Special thanks to Jeff Poltawsky for encouraging us in organizing this event and for providing resources to make it happen. And to Gena Hughes for helping coordinate the effort.
Free Parking:
Pick up a prepaid parking ticket following the event. Park in the ramp at the entrance of the Hospital and Clinics parking lot (see attached map).
