What is atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT)?

Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT) is a rare and fast-growing tumor of the brain and spinal cord that usually occurs in young children.It accounts for 1-2% of childhood brain tumors.

What are the typical first signs of ATRT in infants?

Initial symptoms of ATRT can include vomiting, changes in activity level, irritability, and increased head size in infants. These symptoms can frequently enough be mistaken for more common childhood ailments, leading to delays in diagnosis.

What is the survival rate for children diagnosed with ATRT?

The survival rate for ATRT varies depending on the child's age and the extent of the tumor. However, according to the National Brain Tumor Society, intensive multimodal therapy has improved outcomes, with some studies reporting 5-year survival rates between 50-70% in certain patient subgroups.

How can I support families affected by childhood cancer?

Supporting families dealing with childhood cancer can involve donating to reputable cancer research organizations, volunteering time, or providing direct assistance to families through meal readiness, childcare, or financial contributions.

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Royal Victoria Infirmary Newcastle

Q: Were can I find more information about pediatric brain tumors?

Additional information on pediatric brain tumors, including ATRT, can be found on the websites of organizations such as the National Brain Tumor Society, the American Cancer Society, and the Pediatric Brain tumor Foundation.

Health

Title: Northumberland Man’s Funeral Delayed: Anger Over Two-Month Wait

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor December 1, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Anger as Funeral Arrangements delayed for⁣ Two Months ⁣for Northumberland ⁤Man Who Died Without Family

Newcastle upon Tyne ‌ – Concerns are growing after‍ it took two⁣ months to begin arranging a funeral for ‍Des‌ Miller, described⁢ as a ‍”lovely” man from Northumberland, who died without known family. A GoFundMe campaign launched to⁣ cover funeral costs has ‌highlighted gaps in the process for arranging burials‌ for individuals who‌ die without relatives or sufficient funds.

The delay underscores‍ a⁣ complex system involving NHS Trusts, local authorities, ⁤and⁤ the Coroner’s office. National guidance states NHS Trusts should ⁤develop policies, ⁣in conjunction with local authorities, to ensure respectful ⁣and ⁢efficient burials or cremations for hospital deaths when no family can be found. Newcastle City Council confirmed its duty to dispose of a deceased ⁣body under the National‍ Assistance and Public Health (Control of Disease) acts 1948, if the deceased has no assets or relatives‌ able to make arrangements.

The council’s guidance states hospitals and care homes “may also ⁢be able to ‍help if the person dies while in thier ⁤care,” with initial contact typically made ⁤through the ‌coroner. Obligation for funeral arrangements falls to spouses for married couples and ⁣parents for children,if ⁤next of kin are identified.

Details surrounding the specific reasons for the delay in Des’ case have not been publicly disclosed. Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust ‌has been approached for comment.

A GoFundMe campaign⁣ remains active to contribute towards Des Miller’s funeral expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/f/des-miller?attribution_id=sl:81423e0d-e229-4832-9228-f2509dcb2efb&lang=en_GB&ts=1764242201&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link.

For⁤ breaking news and ⁣updates, join the ChronicleLive WhatsApp community: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/join-chroniclelive-whatsapp-community-signup-26563249.

December 1, 2025 0 comments

Health

Dr Louise Hyslop: Newcastle Scientist Leads Groundbreaking Mitochondrial Donation IVF

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 19, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Newcastle Fertility Centre Celebrates Milestone: Eight Babies Born Through Groundbreaking Mitochondrial donation IVF

Newcastle, UK – A specialized team at the Newcastle Fertility Centre has achieved a critically important milestone, with eight children now born through a pioneering IVF technique, frequently enough referred too as “three-parent” IVF. This breakthrough procedure,which remains the only one of its kind globally to be licensed,offers hope to families affected by mitochondrial diseases.The technique involves transferring the genetic material from a fertilized egg of parents who carry a mitochondrial disease into a healthy, fertilized egg from a donor. This process effectively prevents the transmission of the debilitating disease to the child,sparing them from conditions that can range from hearing loss to severe heart problems.

Dr. Hyslop, speaking on behalf of the team, expressed immense pride in the collective effort that led to this achievement, highlighting the profound joy for the parents involved. Dr. Rekha Pillai, the clinical lead for the program, described the procedure as “truly life-changing on an individual basis,” offering a “ray of hope” to women who have witnessed the devastating impact of mitochondrial diseases, potentially within their own families. She acknowledged that while this offers significant hope,it represents the begining of a long journey for these families.The Newcastle Fertility Centre is actively seeking egg donors to continue this vital work. Individuals interested in learning more about egg donation and potentially contributing to this life-changing treatment can find further data on the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust website.

July 19, 2025 0 comments

Health

Durham Baby’s Rare Cancer Diagnosis After Birthday Illness | Heartbreak

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor June 28, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

One-Year-Old Finley Robson Begins chemotherapy After Rare Cancer Diagnosis

Table of Contents

One-Year-Old Finley Robson Begins chemotherapy After Rare Cancer Diagnosis

Breaking News:

One-year-old Finley Robson is set to begin chemotherapy on monday following a diagnosis of Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT), a rare and aggressive form of cancer. His parents, Melinda Garratt and Marc Robson, are now seeking community support as they navigate this challenging journey.

The Initial Finding

What began as a seemingly ordinary day after Finley’s first birthday on April 24, 2024, quickly turned into a parent’s worst nightmare. Melinda Garratt and Marc Robson noticed that their usually cheerful son was repeatedly vomiting.

Marc, a resident of Chester-le-Street, recounted, “We had a birthday party for Finley on April 26 with family and friends, but he was sick the whole time. The next day, while shopping with friends, he continued to be sick. That’s when we decided to call 111.”

Initially, medical advice suggested the vomiting might be due to a transition from formula to cow’s milk. However, switching back to formula did not alleviate Finley’s condition. Multiple visits to the Accident & Emergency department yielded similar explanations until Finley began vomiting blood, prompting immediate concern.

Diagnosis at the royal Victoria Infirmary

The couple rushed Finley to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), where he was admitted for observation. A CT scan revealed a tumor on Finley’s brain, leading to the diagnosis of ATRT. According to the National Brain Tumor Society, ATRT accounts for 1-2% of childhood brain tumors and often presents in children under the age of three ^[1].

Pro Tip: Early detection is crucial for improving outcomes in rare cancers like ATRT. Parents shoudl advocate for thorough investigations if symptoms persist or worsen.

Financial Strain and Community Support

The diagnosis has placed a significant financial strain on the family. Melinda, who works for Lookers car sales company, is currently on leave. Marc is uncertain about his ability to work consistently once Finley starts chemotherapy. to help manage bills, unexpected costs, hospital parking fees, and travel expenses, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign.

As of June 2024, childhood cancer is still the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society ^[2].The financial burden on families can be overwhelming, highlighting the importance of community support.

The funds raised will directly assist with the costs associated with Finley’s treatment and care, allowing the family to focus on his well-being during this critical time. Donations can be made through the GoFundMe page here.

Key Facts About Finley’s Condition

Fact	Details
Diagnosis	Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT)
Age	One year old
Treatment	Chemotherapy starting monday
Financial Support	GoFundMe campaign established

Did You Know? ATRT is frequently enough diagnosed after symptoms like vomiting and changes in activity level are initially mistaken for common childhood illnesses.

Questions for Our Readers

How can communities better support families facing rare cancer diagnoses? What resources are most helpful during these challenging times?

Understanding Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT)

ATRT is a rare and aggressive tumor that primarily affects the brain and spinal cord. It is most commonly diagnosed in young children, typically under the age of three. The tumor is characterized by its rapid growth and resistance to conventional cancer treatments, making it a significant challenge for medical professionals.

research into ATRT is ongoing, with scientists exploring new therapeutic approaches, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Early detection and aggressive treatment strategies are crucial for improving outcomes. Families affected by ATRT frequently enough require extensive support, including medical, emotional, and financial assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Childhood Cancer

What are the common types of childhood cancers?

Leukemia, brain tumors, lymphomas, and sarcomas are among the most common types of cancer found in children.Each type requires specific treatment protocols and management strategies.

How is childhood cancer different from adult cancer?

Childhood cancers are frequently enough the result of DNA changes that occur very early in life, sometimes even before birth. They also tend to respond better to treatments like chemotherapy compared to many adult cancers.

What resources are available for families dealing with childhood cancer?

Numerous organizations offer support, including the American Cancer Society, the National Children’s Cancer Society, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. These resources provide financial aid, emotional support, and educational materials.

How can I help raise awareness about childhood cancer?

Participating in fundraising events, sharing information on social media, and volunteering time to support cancer organizations are effective ways to raise awareness and contribute to the cause.

Disclaimer: this article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Share this story to spread awareness and support Finley’s fight against cancer.Your comments and support are greatly appreciated.

June 28, 2025 0 comments