Crefeld. With her latest study on the rare hereditary disease “Fanconi Anemia”, Dr. Eunike Velleuer caused a stir around the world. The internationally recognized pediatric hematologist and oncologist strengthened the oncology department at the Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at Helios Klinikum Krefeld for one year. She is a recognized expert in “Fanconi Anemia”.
Fanconi’s anemia (AF) is a very rare congenital disease, a genetic defect. Affected children suffer from malformations, bone marrow failure, and are at an increased risk of developing a specific form of cancer, explains Dr. Velleuer (42 years old): “These patients have a 500 times higher risk of contracting oral mucosal cancers. And this already at a young age “.
Regarding the early detection of these cancers, the senior doctor, together with colleagues from the University Hospital of Düsseldorf and the German self-help group for anemia Fanconi, reached a breakthrough in 2020. In one study for the most world’s largest study with AF patients, it could be shown “that swabs from mucosal changes in the oral cavity using special brushes can be used to detect oral mucosal cancer reliably and in good time. In most cases , patients are spared a biopsy, “explains the doctor.” This is very important, because anything that is recognized early can be treated better. In the past, patients with these cancers lived on average only eight months after diagnosis. “
The results of the study led to changes in the recommendations for clarification of oral mucosal changes in patients with Fanconi anemia. Because this cancer can occur again and again due to the pre-existing genetic condition, the struggle for the patient is lifelong, says Velleuer: “We can now detect cancer earlier. The second step now must be to prevent cancer.” which she has set herself for the next 15 years of her work.
Together for children with cancer
The recruitment of the expert was made possible by the financial support of the association for children with cancer in Krefeld. The first president, Jens Schmitz, explains: “In the principles of our association, we are also committed to using donations for research. This is very important to us, because the past has shown how solid scientific discoveries can have a positive effect on methods of treatment and the chances of recovery. “The figures confirm this: every year around 2,000 children and young people under the age of 15 are diagnosed with leukemia or malignant tumors in Germany. Just 30 years ago almost all children died, while today – thanks to enormous medical advances – it can be assumed that over 60 percent of all sick children can be successfully treated. In the case of some forms of the disease, over 80 percent of patients can now be considered cured after a long period of time without the disease returning.
Professor Tim Niehues, head of the Helios Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, is impressed by the association’s commitment: “We are very grateful that you support our expert’s research work. Krefeld and the region can be proud of this. which has been built here for decades with donations from citizens and great commitment. It starts with the family home, Villa Sonnenschein, and continues with unbureaucratic help to families. Now the internationally competitive research of Dr. Velleuer made possible by the association, which benefits children, young people and adults with oncological diseases all over the world “.
“A rarity in non-university clinics”
The hematologist, oncologist and author of the book “Cancer Biology: How Science Works” is highly motivated: “I am delighted to be able to work in the certified pediatric oncology center. This is indeed a rarity in non-university clinics and shows that everyone here they are going in the same direction, “he explains. The senior doctor adds what touches her so much about working with children: “Honest and always impressive communication and great trust. And of course it is incredibly motivating to be able to discharge a large number of healthy patients, because chemotherapy drugs usually work very well in children and individualized medicine will also increasingly become the standard and continue to make progress. “
In addition to her work at the clinic, Dr. Eunike Velleuer is currently developing an app for Fanconi anemia patients that is intended to enable them to act more independently and responsibly.
Back to oncology
Dr Eunike Velleuer was born in Mettmann and recently worked as a senior doctor specializing in hematology at the Neuwerk pediatric clinic in Mönchengladbach. “There I dealt exclusively with benign diseases. Returning to oncology in Krefeld makes me feel good, because this is where my roots lie, “says Eunike Velleuer. She completed her studies and specialist training at the University of Düsseldorf, where she then worked until 2017, mainly in pediatric oncology. “During my doctorate, I first became aware of Fanconi’s anemia,” she explains.
Self-help group Fanconi “Deutsche Fanconi-Anemia-Hilfe eV”: www.fanconi.de
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