Breakthrough cancer treatments helping kids survive and thrive

This story originally appeared in the Calgary Herald on November 8, 2025

Innovative therapies at Alberta Children’s Hospital mean more children survive with fewer side effects

Thanks to generous community support, the Alberta Children’s Hospital is ushering in a new era of cancer care — one that’s more effective, less invasive and filled with hope. Doctors and researchers are pioneering breakthrough therapies that help children like Sophia survive cancer with fewer side effects — and more smiles.

Rui and Jeremy never imagined a small scratch on their four-month-old daughter Sophia’s face would lead to a life-altering diagnosis. A precautionary blood test turned into an emergency trip to the hospital, where doctors confirmed Sophia had acute lymphoblastic leukemia — a form of blood cancer.

“We were in shock,” says Rui. “One moment we were worried about a scratch and the next we were being rushed to the hospital with cancer doctors waiting for us.”

Sophia began chemotherapy immediately. Because infants with leukemia face a higher risk of relapse, her treatment plan included a bone marrow transplant. But first, she needed to reach remission and grow stronger. That’s when her care team introduced a promising immunotherapy drug called Blinatumomab or “Blina,” as part of a clinical trial.

Blina is delivered through a continuous IV infusion over 28 days via a small portable pump tucked into a backpack the child can wear. Thanks to the hospital’s donor-funded Hospital at Home program — the only one of its kind in Canada — Sophia was able to continue treatment from home, with both parents by her side along with all her toys. Specially trained nurses visited every three days to change her medication bag, saving the family countless hospital trips.

“Blina made all the difference,” said Jeremy. “It was also so wonderful to have her on a medication that didn’t make her so sick like traditional chemotherapy. It meant a lot to be sparing her all those nasty side effects.”

Dr. Geoff Cuvelier, Section Head of Pediatric Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, says the results of the Blina trial were so extraordinary, the study was stopped early and Blina was quickly made part of standard protocol.

“We saw cure rates jump from 85 to 95 per cent — it is one of the most significant improvements in pediatric leukemia treatment in 30 years.” — Dr. Cuvelier

Sophia reached remission. But one week before her scheduled bone marrow transplant, the leukemia returned. Because of her age, doctors pivoted to another cutting-edge option: CAR-T therapy, which reprograms the body’s own T-cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

Since receiving CAR-T, Sophia has remained in remission and is preparing for her transplant in November. She recently completed one last round of Blina — now part of standard protocol — to ensure the best possible outcome.

Rui smiles when she recalls Sophia carrying her Blina backpack everywhere, her charm and smile undiminished. “People would look at her and comment on what a bright and cheerful toddler she was. They would have never known she was taking life-saving cancer medicine at the time.”

“We’re so grateful for these leading-edge treatments,” added Jeremy. “They have given her a real chance — not just to survive, but to thrive.”

Sophia’s journey is a powerful testament to the life-saving impact of medical innovations like clinical trials and the community support that enables them. “We’re learning how to personalize treatments, reduce side effects and improve long-term outcomes. We’re not just curing for today but curing for the lives these children want to lead twenty, forty, sixty years from now,” said Dr. Cuvelier.

Currently, the hospital’s Pediatric Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant program is running 31 clinical trials made possible by donor-funded resources and specialized staff. These trials require rigorous protocols and a dedicated team of clinical research nurses and assistants who ensure every detail is executed flawlessly.

“We couldn’t do this without our community. Their support allows us to offer cutting-edge therapies and shape the future of pediatric oncology care — not just here in Calgary, but across Canada and beyond.” – Dr. Cuvelier

For families like Sophia’s, these advancements mean not just survival, but the chance for a full, healthy life. “Saving our child’s life is the priority,” says Jeremy. “But saving her life in a way that leaves her healthy and whole — that’s the ultimate goal. We’re so thankful the Alberta Children’s Hospital is here for her and on the forefront of childhood cancer treatment.”