Kid expert awarded $100,000 grant to study low-grade gliomas |
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Margaret Shatara, MD, a pediatric neuro-oncologist with Children’s Minnesota, was recently awarded a $100,000 grant to support research on Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT). The research will study the launch of PNOC042, a multi-institutional Phase II clinical trial evaluating LITT for patients ages 2 to 25 with recurrent or progressive low-grade gliomas. Children’s Minnesota is the lead institution for the study through the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC), with Dr. Shatara as primary investigator.
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“This grant provides the infrastructure needed to launch and conduct a clinical trial studying LITT, a minimally invasive, MRI-guided laser procedure that may offer an effective alternative for patients with low-grade glioma tumors that are difficult or unsafe to remove surgically,” said Dr. Shatara. “The grant helps address a major unmet need for children with low-grade gliomas who face repeated treatments, long-term chemotherapy, or tumors located in highly sensitive areas of the brain.”
Humor to Fight the Tumor, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to funding brain tumor research and patient services, awarded the grant.
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Children’s Minnesota is a leader in providing care to children, adolescents and young adults with cancer and blood disorders. Learn more about the latest research and clinical trials available for your patients here.
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Midwest Fetal Care Center participating in two fetal ailment studies |
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The Midwest Fetal Care Center (MWFCC), a collaboration between Allina Health and Children’s Minnesota, is taking part in two studies aimed at improving outcomes for fetuses with high-risk conditions.
Azalea Trial
The Azalea Trial assesses the efficacy of administering Nipocalimab as an intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in pregnancies affected by hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). HDFN occurs when the blood types of the mother and fetus are incompatible, causing severe fetal anemia. HDFN is typically treated via intrauterine transfusion.
“This procedure has a significant fetal loss rate, especially early in gestation,” said Saul Snowise, MD, the medical director of the MWFCC. “In early non-randomized studies (Phase II Trial), Nipocalimab has been shown to improve fetal outcomes and significantly prevent the need for fetal transfusions in patients with a history of severe HDFN and affected pregnancies.”
The Azalea Trial is now accepting patients at the MWFCC. The trial aims to enroll 120 patients at advanced fetal care centers worldwide.
GOOD Study
The GOOD Study is conducting research on gastroschisis, which occurs when a fetus has a total defect in the anterior abdominal wall. The defect is typically discovered during routine antenatal ultrasound screening around the 20th week of pregnancy. Fetuses with gastroschisis have a higher incidence of growth restriction and require closure of the defect after delivery.
“The GOOD Study is an NIH-funded study designed to assess if early delivery can improve some of these suboptimal outcomes and if antenatal markers can be identified that may predict more complicated neonatal courses,” said Dr. Snowise.
The GOOD Study is ongoing at select centers within the North American Fetal Therapy Network and the MWFCC has randomized nine patients to this important multicenter study.
Learn more about research at the Midwest Fetal Care Center. To refer a patient to the MWFCC, please call 855-693-3825.
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Spotlight: Pediatric plastic surgery services at Children’s Minnesota |
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Children’s Minnesota provides care for children requiring plastic and reconstructive procedures, including congenital conditions, traumatic injuries or aesthetic concerns. Plastic surgery services are led by Allyne Topaz, MD, an Allina Health employee, who contracts with Children’s Minnesota to provide plastic, micro and reconstructive surgery. The plastic surgery services offered at Children’s Minnesota include:
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- Complex wound care and reconstruction
- Laser therapy
- Nerve surgery, including targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) and regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI)
- Post-burn reconstruction, including skin grafts
- Scar revision
- Soft tissue reconstruction for congenital, traumatic or oncological defects
- Soft tissue hand reconstruction for fractures and polydactyly
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“The pediatric plastic surgery department at Children’s Minnesota works closely with various specialists, including pediatricians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and therapists, ensuring comprehensive care tailored to each child’s needs,” said Raisa Bersten, MHC, clinic manager. “The surgeons are specifically trained in pediatric plastic surgery, which involves unique considerations compared to adult surgeries, such as growth and development factors.”
The department takes a family-centered approach, providing support to both the child and their family throughout the treatment process. With locations in Minneapolis and Minnetonka, the team emphasizes long-term follow-up and care to monitor outcomes and address any concerns that might arise post-surgery.
Learn more about pediatric plastic surgery at Children’s Minnesota.
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Starting in April: 2026 Legacy Lecture Series |
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