DALLAS, TX, United States (UPI) — Researchers in Dallas have found that mature muscle fibers are able to develop into a soft-tissue cancer in children and teens.

Experts at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children`s Medical Center performed the research on fruit flies. The results reportedly showed that mature muscle cells, rather than less-developed cells, are able to turn malignant in the soft tissue cancer.

The groundbreaking research provides doctors and scientists with clues as to how this cancer arises.

The particular cancer under study is Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive, often fatal form of cancer that occurs mainly in the trunk, arms and legs of children or teenagers.

‘There has been little progress toward developing effective therapies for rhabdomyosarcoma, in part because of the lack of animal models for the disease,’ said Dr. Eric Olson, chairman of molecular biology at UT Southwestern and the study`s main author.

‘This work is important because it provides a simple organism, the fruit fly, as a model for analyzing the genetic causes of rhabdomyosarcoma.’

Copyright 2006 by United Press International

Experts at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children`s Medical Center performed the research on fruit flies. The results reportedly showed that mature muscle cells, rather than less-developed cells, are able to turn malignant in the soft tissue cancer.

The groundbreaking research provides doctors and scientists with clues as to how this cancer arises.

The particular cancer under study is Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive, often fatal form of cancer that occurs mainly in the trunk, arms and legs of children or teenagers.

‘There has been little progress toward developing effective therapies for rhabdomyosarcoma, in part because of the lack of animal models for the disease,’ said Dr. Eric Olson, chairman of molecular biology at UT Southwestern and the study`s main author.

‘This work is important because it provides a simple organism, the fruit fly, as a model for analyzing the genetic causes of rhabdomyosarcoma.’

Copyright 2006 by United Press International

Source: Monster and Critics

Kids with cancer. It’s a sad combination of words and a phrase I can’t even imagine facing my own family. And yet if it ever does, I think my goal would be to keep my child’s life as childlike as possible — as hard as it may be while confronting serious life-and-death issues.

Camp Fantastic — set high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia — is one place where kids can be kids. At least for one night. Each year for longer than anyone can remember, volunteers sponsor an evening fiesta with dancing, swimming, games, rides, gifts, and fun for 100 children with cancer. This event, known as Rappahannock Night, because of the camp’s location in Rappahannock county, is sponsored by organizations that join efforts to allow children to step back from their diseases and soak up the pleasure of friendship with others who share their experiences.

Camp Fantasic offers kids moments of pure joy — away from the rigors of cancer and treatment. So they can be kids. Just kids.