Science projects on FA tumors

FA cancer research and virtual tumor board

Further chapters in „Research“

Most urgent research topic: Cancers in FA

As you know, cancer is one of the most urgent topics in the FA community.
Worldwide, there are many science teams working on different questions and hoping to find answers soon:
– Why is there an increased likelihood of cancer with FA?
– What is the progression of tumors in individuals with FA and why?
– Are there methods or medications to mitigate the risk of cancer?
– What therapies can be developed for treatment?

Why is there a preposition for cancer in FA?

Learn more:

How can you help with research?

It is important to know that medical research can only ever work WITH people involved. In theory at a desk, you may be able to develop ideas – but ultimately it takes people with FA like you to investigate those ideas. ALL people with FA are important for research, even those who have not had cancer yet.

What is needed?

For example, your data such as blood values, age, medical history (e.g. when what occurred), etc. are very important. But also samples from you such as blood, bone marrow, hair, skin, and urine help research. For tumor research, additional cell material is of great importance, such as tissue samples with early cell changes, and samples with suspected or confirmed cancer of any kind.
Please sign up for your country’s FA patient registry.

Is a biopsy or surgery planned?Do you need the help of the virtual tumor board?

It is perfectly understandable and normal that even a suspicion of cancer triggers a queasy feeling or fear. You don’t have the time to worry about other things… And yet, tissue samples are so important for research!

Contact FARF Tumor Board

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to help us. The only thing you need to do now is to let us know. We will take care of the rest.

Contact Andrea Ronan

Mail: andrea@fanconi.org
Phone: 541-687-4658 ext 402

What is the FARF Virtual Tumor Board?

The Fanconi Anemia Research Fund (FARF) Virtual Tumor Board (VTB) is a panel of physicians experienced with treating patients with Fanconi anemia (FA) who volunteer their time to discuss difficult FA solid tumor cases and offer treatment guidance. The specialists on the panel have expertise in otolaryngology, hematology oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology.

The VTB was developed to provide support to individuals with FA and their treating physicians, who may have less experience with treating cancer in individuals with FA. Members of the FARF VTB meet virtually with patients’ treating physician(s) to review cases and provide input for treatment, from an FA-centric viewpoint. This process allows continued learning on how to best treat cancers associated with FA, which in turn may help others with similar diagnoses.

For patients with a cancer diagnosis
The FARF VTB program is most useful if you discuss the program with your treating physician immediately following a solid tumor diagnosis. If you and your treating physician agree that soliciting advice from the VTB would be advantageous for developing a treatment plan, either you or your treating physician should contact FARF directly. We will then coordinate with your physician to set up a VTB meeting to review your case.

Contact FARF Tumor Board