Childhood Cancer Breakthrough: New Chemo-Antibody Transforms Neuroblastoma Survival

• A UK clinical trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology shows a new chemo-antibody combination significantly improves survival for children with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma.
• The treatment, combining dinutuximab beta with chemotherapy, extends progression-free survival and overall survival by enhancing the immune system's attack on cancer cells.
• Neuroblastoma is an aggressive childhood cancer, often diagnosed late in India, making this breakthrough crucial for improving outcomes.
• Accessibility in India faces hurdles like high cost (Rs 65 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore), limited availability, and the need for specialized paediatric oncology infrastructure.
• Experts urge government support, local production, and inclusion in public health schemes like Ayushman Bharat to make the therapy affordable and widespread.

Why It Matters: New chemo-antibody offers significant hope for childhood neuroblastoma, but accessibility in India is a major challenge.