Hepatoblastoma

What is the latest research on hepatoblastoma?

Children's Hospital Cancer Care and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are conducting numerous research studies that will help clinicians better understand and treat hepatoblastoma. We participate in the current treatment protocols of the national Pediatric Oncology Group/Children's Oncology Group.

Other Specific types of treatment currently being studied include:

• Angiogenesis angiogenesis inhibitors - Substances substances that may be able to prevent the growth of tumors by blocking the formation of new blood vessels that feed the tumors
• Biological biological therapies - A a wide range of substances that may be able to involve the body's own immune system to fight cancer or lessen harmful side effects of some treatments

Treating hepatitis in children

Children who are exposed to hepatitis B infection at an early age are at increased risk for developing hepatoblastoma. As discussed above a hepatitis B infection in childhood makes your children more susceptible to hepatoblastoma tumors.

Maureen M. Jonas, MD, medical director of the Children’s Liver Transplant Program, has led research focused on liver disease in children with emphasis on viral hepatitis.

• She was the principal investigator in several international trials where drugs that are effective in treating adults with chronic hepatitis B were tested in children.
• Dr. Jonas's work has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Hepatology, Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal and other major medical journals.