How can new approaches to early detection make a difference for children at risk of rare cancers? In this episode of Believe in Progress, brought to you by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Foundation, host Mitch Stoller speaks with Dr. Kris Ann P. Schultz, a leading pediatric oncologist and Scientific Director of Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's Minnesota.

Dr. Schultz shares her groundbreaking work on DICER1-related cancers and how early diagnosis, surveillance, and collaboration with patients and families are transforming the field of pediatric oncology. From research-driven strategies to personal stories of survival, this episode explores how science and compassion intersect to save lives.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a caregiver, or an advocate for pediatric cancer research, this episode offers vital insights into how research is reshaping the future of childhood cancer care.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Dr. Schultz’s personal drive led her into pediatric oncology
• Why DICER1 research is critical for rare childhood cancers
• How early detection and surveillance guidelines are changing lives
• The vital role patients and families play in advancing research
• Why survivorship care is essential for long-term wellness
• How you can help drive progress in pediatric cancer research

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and Mission Statement
• 00:15 Welcome to Believe in Progress
• 00:56 Meet Dr. Kris Ann Schultz
• 01:26 Dr. Schultz’s Career and Contributions
• 07:41 The Importance of Survivorship Care
• 12:49 Understanding ER One and DICER1
• 16:18 Early Detection and Surveillance Guidelines
• 22:32 Challenges and Future Directions
• 29:10 Conclusion and Wrap-up

Additional information and contact information:

• In 2024, the PPB/DICER1 Registry published updated DICER1 testing and surveillance guidelines in the journal of Clinical Cancer Research. This analysis demonstrated the impact of surveillance in PPB and Sertoli Leydig cell tumor and led to a recommendation for earlier initiation of ovarian surveillance in girls and young women with germline DICER1 variants. 
• READ MORE: https://aacrjournals.org/clincancerres/article/30/24/5681/750430/DICER1-Related-Tumor-Predisposition-Identification
• Early detection efforts for individuals with DICER1-related tumor predisposition include patient and family education and age-specific imaging recommendations. 
• In rare cancers, every journey matters! Individuals impacted by these rare conditions are encouraged to learn more about DICER1 and to consider participation in efforts to advance our understanding of optimal treatments.
• To contact the PPB/DICER1 and OTST Registries, please email dicer1@childrensmn.org.
• To learn more about the PPB/DICER1 Registry please visit www.ppbregistry.org
• To learn more about the OTST Registry please visit www.otstregistry.org

Learn more and take action:

• Visit aacr.org to donate and support pediatric cancer research
• Subscribe and share this episode to spread awareness
• For more episodes, visit aacr.org/BelieveInProgress

Production Credits:

Host: Mitch Stoller

Guest: Dr. Kris Ann P. Schultz

Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes

Executive Producer: Michael Leary

Associate Producer: Heather Holland

Director: Anthony Lopes

Creative Director/Director of Photography: Michael Leary

Editor: Michael Leary

This episode is produced by CollegeCast LLC.

Cancer Research Saves Lives®

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