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World Childhood Cancer Day on February 15 / New cancer therapies increase chances of recovery for young patients

The innovative CAR-T cell therapy can also offer young cancer patients a new perspective, as the example of Maro shows. Maro was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of four. However, years of treatment with chemotherapy, antibody therapy and stem cell transplants failed to cure the boy. The breakthrough and long-awaited recovery for the now nine-year-old came with CAR T-cell therapy, which was carried out at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. After completing the therapy, he has been symptom-free for a year now.

"We are delighted that we were able to help Maro with this innovative therapy. His case impressively demonstrates the potential of targeted immunotherapies," says Prof. Dr. Christian Flotho, Senior Physician at the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg.

Overcoming all setbacks

Maro was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of four. After two years of chemotherapy, he was considered healthy again shortly before his seventh birthday. Six months later, however, there were abnormalities in his blood count: an even more aggressive form of leukemia was detected. A new course of high-dose chemotherapy and antibody therapy were necessary to suppress the blood cancer and prepare Maro for a stem cell donation. But even the longed-for stem cell transplant did not bring lasting success. A follow-up examination revealed another relapse.

"This is a particularly difficult situation so soon after a stem cell transplant, as there is no longer any standardized treatment available. Maro's last chance was the novel CAR-T cell therapy, which responded immediately after a single treatment," says Flotho. Since then, Maro has only had to attend regular check-ups at the university hospital. He is back at school, loves playing ice hockey in his free time and will be celebrating his tenth birthday in March. He has also remained true to his passion for VFL Wolfsburg and is looking forward to the next away game in Freiburg. "We are overjoyed that Maro has retained his love of sport and life despite this long and difficult time," says Maro's mother.

Supporting the immune system in the fight against cancer

CAR-T cell therapies are already being used to treat numerous cancers and offer many patients with previously incurable cancers new chances of recovery. T immune cells are taken from patients and modified in the laboratory so that they specifically recognize and fight cancer cells. In most cases, a single treatment is enough to sufficiently strengthen the patient's immune system. The treatment is also used for children in certain cases. "Maro's story underlines the importance of research and development of new therapeutic approaches in the fight against cancer. With innovative treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy, we can offer many patients new perspectives," says Flotho.

Picture caption: The passion for his favorite club has given Maro a lot of strength.
Image source: Private