pob-mypart (0verview)

Overview

Rare cancers represent 27% of all cancers and account for 25% of all cancer deaths. Further, all pediatric and adolescent cancers are rare. Patients with rare cancer face unique challenges, such as delayed or incorrect diagnosis, feelings of isolation, and limited treatment options. Researchers of rare cancers also face unique challenges, such as limited availability of biological samples, lack of model systems, and difficulty accruing sufficient numbers of patients for clinical trials. The NIH is the ideal environment to support and execute rare tumor research. The My Pediatric and Adult Rare Tumor (MyPART) Network was created to address the need for the research and development of therapies for rare tumor patients. 

The NCI Center for Cancer Research Pediatric Oncology Branch will host the first annual MyPART Team Retreat. MyPART engages patients, families, advocacy organizations, physicians, and researchers in rare tumor research. MyPART also coordinates the Natural History Study of Rare Solid Tumors, which began enrollment in January 2019 and has enrolled over 100 patients. 

The retreat will include seminars, workshops, and a poster session. The morning session is open to all interested members of the NCI community and will feature seminars highlighting MyPART research and programs. The afternoon sessions are intended primarily for MyPART team members and will include breakout groups and brainstorming sessions.