Spotlight: Adolescent and young adult cancer program |
The adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer program at Children’s Minnesota is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of cancer patients between ages 15 and 30. Board-certified providers use individualized treatment protocols based on tumor cell biology while addressing the unique needs of this age group. We also offer access to a broad array of clinical research trials. Data shows that when adolescents and young adults with cancer are treated at a pediatric facility using pediatric treatment protocols, outcomes are improved. Children’s Minnesota has over 75 clinical trials that are available to our adolescent and young adult patients.
Our experts collaborate closely with referring physicians and patient families to provide exceptional care for all types of cancer and blood disorders with cutting-edge treatment plans and a holistic approach to patient care. Chelsea Self, MD, is the director and Mary Langevin, APRN, CNP, is the co-director of the program.
“At Children’s Minnesota, pediatric experts from more than 100 specialty areas are available to provide care for our AYA cancer patients, “said Dr. Self. “From psychosocial services, cancer genetics and fertility counseling to group activities that provide peer support, we consider the needs of the whole AYA person while they’re under our care.”
The program accepts new patients ages 15 to 26 within 48 hours of referral. Consultation, evaluation, and treatment are provided for patients up to age 30. To refer a patient, please contact Children’s Minnesota Physician Access at 866-755-2121.
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Children’s Minnesota becomes first health system in the state to offer innovative new treatment for babies born with cleft lip |
Children’s Minnesota is the first health system in the state to offer a new, less invasive treatment for babies born with cleft lip. The state-of-the-art treatment, called PLANA (presurgical lip, alveolus, and nose approximation), is designed to help align the baby’s displaced lip, gum line and nose in a gentler, less invasive approach than experienced with previous methods.
The new treatment is designed to be managed at home, reducing the need for frequent in-clinic appointments. Babies use PLANA until their first surgery to repair the cleft lip, which typically happens at 3 to 4 months of age. The cleft lip specialists at Children’s Minnesota partner with families and referring providers to give them expert support throughout the process.
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“Our goal as a team is to develop a strong, collaborative relationship with our patient’s primary care providers. We’re going to be working together for years to come to care for these patients. Therefore, we want to have open communication and partner with families and their providers to give the patient the best possible care,” said Brianne Roby, MD, director of the cleft program at Children’s Minnesota.
The PLANA treatment is available through the cleft and craniofacial service within the ear, nose, throat and facial plastic surgery program at Children’s Minnesota. Read more about the treatment here.
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In the news: Children’s Minnesota testing vaccine against deadly pediatric brain cancer |
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A study by the Children’s Minnesota neuro-oncology team is testing a novel combined vaccine therapy for malignant gliomas in kids and was recently featured in The Minnesota Star Tribune. The phase 1, single institution clinical trial was launched in January 2025 by Anne Bendel, MD, research director of neuro-oncology, and Maggie Skrypek, MD, program director of neuro-oncology at Children’s Minnesota.
The study aims to determine the dose and safety of a novel combined vaccine therapy for newly diagnosed pediatric and young adult diffuse midline glioma (DMG) and recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG) patients. DMG and HGG are among the most complex brain tumors to treat because of their invasive nature, tendency to spread quickly and resistance to radiation and chemotherapy.
“The cure rate for DMG is less than 1 percent, and the median overall survival is 9 to 11 months,” said Dr. Bendel. “And that statistic has not changed since the 1950s.” Clinical trials using novel therapies are the only way we will improve outcomes for these lethal tumors.
Read more about the study here.
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| | | | Allison Galkowski, DNP, APRN, CNP |
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Register now: Twin Cities Pediatric Update, Sept. 18-19, 2025 |
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Reserve your spot now for the 7th annual Twin Cities Pediatric Update!
The two-day conference will feature two keynote speakers and a variety of plenary sessions to keep you current on relevant topics and recent advances in pediatrics that are most important to your practice. The Twin Cities Pediatric Update is hosted by Children’s Minnesota, the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MNAAP).
New location: This year’s conference is moving to Brackett’s Crossing Country Club in Lakeville. Participants have the option to attend the conference in-person or virtually. Presentations will not be recorded for viewing post-course. Completion of the evaluation is required to claim course credit.
More information about keynote speakers and sessions will be announced soon. Register today!
Register by May 30 to save $100. Enter the code TCPU25EARLY at checkout.
Note: The discount code is for the in-person option ONLY and cannot be combined with other reduced pricing options listed on the registration page. Registration for in-person attendance closes at noon on Thursday, Sept. 11, and for virtual attendance at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
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| Hear from a kid expert
Health care organizations and other allied health professionals can hear directly from Children’s Minnesota’s physicians and other providers about the latest in pediatric research, clinical procedures and innovations, and more through our Kid Experts On Demand program. To get started, submit a request.
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Children's Minnesota Physician Access |
24/7 access to referrals, consults and admissions.
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