That Cancer Conversation

How does cancer affect a family?

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Episode notes

Our latest podcast is about how families cope with cancer, and the scientific progress helping them through.

Austin was diagnosed with a type of blood cancer called acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when he was 2 years old.

In 2016, scientists took some cells from Austin’s immune system. Dr Sara Ghorashian, from the Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, changed them so they could recognise cancer cells as a threat. Then they were put back into Austin’s body. 

Since then, Austin has been cancer free. Now he’s even helping researchers find out how to make CAR-T cell therapy more effective.  

Lou and Scott take us through Austin’s story, and Sara guides us through the science that has helped keep it going. We also speak to Caroline Leek, a former scientist who specialises in supporting families affected by cancer, about how focusing on fun can help adults and children talk about painful and emotional experiences. 

Learn more about the resources discussed: 

• About Cancer - Children’s cancer 
• Fruit Fly Collective 
• CARPALL trial 
• Echo Games 

For more cancer stories, check out Cancer News!

And if you have a question you’d like us to answer or topic you want us to explore, you can send an email to [email protected] and tell us about your idea! 

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