Posts

A New Hope in Cancer Treatment? Korean Scientists Make a Big Discovery

Image
  Could cancer be turned off instead of destroyed? That’s the big question many are now asking after a group of scientists in South Korea made a very exciting discovery. What Did They Find? A team of researchers from KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), led by Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho , found a possible new way to treat cancer. Instead of killing cancer cells with strong treatments like chemotherapy or radiation , they found a way to change cancer cells back into normal cells . Yes — they didn’t destroy the cancer cells. They reprogrammed them so they act like healthy cells again. How Did They Do It? The team used a special computer model called a digital twin . This model helped them study how genes inside colon cancer cells work. With the help of artificial intelligence (AI) , they used a program called BENEIN to find the “master switches” in the genes that control whether a cell is healthy or cancerous. When they turned off some of these switche...

What’s new in childhood cancer treatment in Thailand in 2025:

Image
Big Step Forward: Thai-Made Cancer Medicine In July 2025, Thailand introduced a new medicine called Imcranib 100 . It was developed by Thai scientists at the Chulabhorn Royal Academy , led by Princess Chulabhorn . This medicine helps treat serious cancers like leukaemia and rare skin tumours. It targets cancer cells directly, so children may have fewer side effects like hair loss or nausea. Because it’s made in Thailand, it’s much cheaper than imported drugs, making treatment more affordable for Thai families.   Smart Medicine: Targeted Therapy Imcranib 100 is part of a new type of treatment called targeted therapy : It looks for special changes in cancer cells and attacks only those. This means less damage to healthy cells , which is very important for growing children.   Early Detection Is Still a Challenge Doctors in Thailand are worried that many cancers in children are still found too late . Ab...

Childhood Cancer Protection in 2025

Image
Childhood cancer is a big health problem worldwide, and Southeast Asia is working hard to improve protection, early detection, and treatment. In 2025, Thailand and its neighboring countries are making great progress to help children with cancer get better care. The Problem of Childhood Cancer in Southeast Asia Every year, around 400,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer, and about 61,000 of these cases happen in Southeast Asia. Sadly, nearly 45% of children in this region do not survive because of late diagnoses, limited treatment options, and weak healthcare systems. In richer countries, more than 85% of children with cancer survive. But in Southeast Asia, many cases are not even diagnosed, meaning children don’t get the help they need. The most common childhood cancers in the region are: Leukemia (blood cancer) Brain tumors Lymphoma (cancer of the immune system)  Thailand’s Role in Fighting Childhood Cancer Thailand is a leader in healthcare and ...

Should Governments invest more in Childhood cancer research?

Image
I believe that increasing government investment in childhood cancer research is essential for several reasons: 1. Unique Needs:  Childhood cancers differ biologically from adult cancers and often require distinct treatments and approaches. Increased funding can support specialized research, leading to better-targeted therapies and higher survival rates for children. 2. Limited Treatments:  Many treatments for children are adaptations of adult cancer therapies, which can cause severe long-term side effects in growing bodies. More research funding could lead to the development of treatments specifically designed for children, focusing on effectiveness and quality of life. 3. Improving Survival Rates:  While survival rates for many types of childhood cancer have improved, certain cancers still have poor prognoses. Increased research funding can help develop treatments for these challenging cases and drive advancements in early detection. 4. Reducing Long-Term Impacts:  ...

September: Childhood Cancer and Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Month

Image
  September holds special significance as it is dedicated to raising awareness about two critical health issues: Childhood Cancer and Hodgkin's Lymphoma. These are serious conditions that affect many families worldwide, and this month serves as an important time to educate, support, and advocate for those impacted by these diseases. Childhood Cancer Awareness Childhood cancer is a leading cause of death by disease in children and adolescents. Despite being relatively rare, it poses a significant threat to young lives. The most common types of childhood cancers include leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphomas. Unlike adult cancers, the causes of childhood cancer are often unknown, making prevention difficult. Why September Matters: 1.        Raising Awareness: By dedicating September to Childhood Cancer Awareness, we help bring attention to the struggles that young patients and their families face. Awareness leads to better understanding, more support...

Ways to support Childhood Cancer Patients

Image
  Hug Them: Hugs can provide emotional reassurance, comfort, and a sense of connection to childhood cancer patients. They remind patients that they’re not alone in their struggle. This contributes to the patient’s resilience and ability to cope with the stress of the disease and treatment.  For instance, the Hugs for Brady Foundation helps end pediatric cancer by funding advanced research, bringing joy to patients, helping families defray the cost of cancer treatments, and more. So, in a broader sense, “hugs” symbolize the comprehensive support system that aids in the fight against cancer. Cheer them up: Cheering up childhood cancer patients can have a significant positive impact on their emotional well-being. It can help them cope with the stress and anxiety associated with their illness and treatment. Positive emotions can also promote resilience, helping patients adjust better to the life changes brought about by their condition. Moreover, it can lead to a deeper appreciati...

Childhood cancer misconceptions

Image
  Misconception: Childhood Cancer is Extremely Common Fact: Childhood cancer accounts for a mere fraction, or less than 1%, of total cancer cases. While the diagnosis can be wrenching for families, improvements in treatment allow most kids to survive their cancer in high income countries. However the survival rate in low income countries lies by around 30% only. Misconception: Childhood Cancer is Always Genetic or Environmental  Fact: Most people mistakenly believe that childhood cancer is due to genetics or environmental factors. Many childhood cancers arise due to genetic mutations or other non-contagious factors. Misconception: Childhood Cancer is Contagious Fact: Childhood cancer is not contagious. Believing in such myths perpetuates unwarranted fear and stigma. Understanding that cancer arises from genetic mutations or other non-contagious factors is essential for dispelling misconceptions surrounding the transmission of the disease. Misconception: Childho...