Hematology and Oncology Education Videos

Our Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders specialists provide innovative pediatric hematology, oncology, bone marrow transplant and cellular therapeutic care. We’re committed to improving care for children with cancer and blood disorders at our care locations and around the world. Watch the provider education videos below to learn from our pediatric oncology and hematology experts.

Low-grade gliomas can present in various ways, including vomiting, headaches and neurologic changes. While there are different types of low-grade gliomas, such as pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, pilomyxoid astrocytoma or ganglioglioma, they all fall into a single pathway of disease. 

In this video, pediatric neuro-oncologist Jean Mulcahy-Levy, MD, explains the disease pathway, which starts with the RAS regulator protein and signals to other proteins, including BRAF, MEK and ERK. A loss of RAS regulation may result in unregulated cell growth, leading to low-grade gliomas. Dr. Mulcahy-Levy also discusses various treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy (e.g., BRAF and MEK inhibitors) and radiation. For parents of a child with a low-grade glioma, Dr. Mulcahy-Levy provides suggestions for parent resources and support groups.

Pediatric radiation-induced glioma, or RIG, is a rare and incurable treatment-induced brain tumor that occurs most commonly in pediatric oncology patients 5 to 12 years after initial cranial radiation cancer treatment. Considering approximately 4% of childhood brain tumor deaths result from RIG, it has received very little research attention. 

In this video, Adam Green, MD, summarizes the findings from his senior-authored pediatric cancer study published in Nature Communications, using the largest published set of RIG patient samples and patient-derived cell lines. With a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular features of RIG and the genetic risk factors, we can work towards more effective prevention and treatment of these treatment-induced high-grade gliomas.

Sexual and reproductive health in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

Cancer and its treatment may cause infertility, hormone dysfunction, maternal-fetal complications and sexual dysfunction. While most of these issues are recognized by healthcare providers and specialists, sexual dysfunction is not. Yet, sexual function concerns occur in 20 to 50% of childhood cancer survivors. Provider awareness and proactive surveillance is critical because many patients may be unaware of the risks or feel uncomfortable discussing this topic with their providers.

In this video, Jenna Sopfe, MD, pediatric oncologist and specialist in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Hope Survivorship Program discusses sexual and reproductive health and sexual dysfunction in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Dr. Sopfe also reviews her research, which involves the development of a more adolescent-friendly approach to discussing sexual function with patients. Dr. Sopfe is creating an evidence-based communication tool that will be tested for effectiveness and usability in a real-world trial across multiple hospitals.

Non-malignant bone marrow transplant for hematologic diseases

Our Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapeutics team cares for children and young adults with a variety of malignant and non-malignant conditions. Over the last three years, our team has completed an average of 20 non-malignant bone marrow transplants per year, approximately 30% of all transplants.

In this video, assistant professor Jessica Knight-Perry, MD, provides an overview of our non-malignant transplant program and the pediatric hematologic conditions we treat, including sickle cell disease, thalassemia and bone marrow failure. Learn how we’re improving hematopoietic cell transplantation for pediatric patients with these conditions.

Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) in Children and Young Adults

Treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children through diet alone may fail to address the root of the problem. Taizo Nakano, MD, PHD, is a doctor with our Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases as well as the Medical Director of our Vascular Anomalies Center. In this video, Dr. Nakano explains the range of possible causes for IDA, looking beyond the baseline factor of adequate dietary intake. To get to the source of IDA, Dr. Nakano explains that doctors must look at other factors such as appropriate absorption, storage and utilization of iron. Watch to learn about the nuances of diagnosing and treating IDA, as well as the important differences between IDA and Thalassemia.

Diagnosis and Management of Sickle Cell Disease

The Hematology Program at Children’s Colorado is internationally recognized for expertise in hemophilia, bleeding and clotting disorders, hematological diseases and immuno-hematological diseases. In this video, assistant professor Christopher McKinney, MD, talks about the diagnosis and management of patients with sickle cell disease and briefly reviews new and emerging treatment options.

Use of Droplet Digital PCR to Measure Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Roughly one-third of children and up to two-thirds of adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) experience relapse – even after the most aggressive treatments. The use of droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to measure residual disease in AML may help doctors detect the potential for relapse with better accuracy.

Amanda C. Winters, MD, PhD, is a doctor with the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Colorado. In this video, Dr. Winters discusses ongoing research into droplet digital PCR, and how it holds the potential for improving AML outcomes in both children and adults.