News Summary
MountainView Hospital has become Nevada’s first facility to offer CAR T-cell therapy and allogeneic stem cell transplants for pediatric oncology. This significant advancement in treatment is crucial for local families, previously forced to seek specialized care out of state. The Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy program aims to improve access to innovative cancer therapies in Nevada. With the appointment of Dr. Carolyn Mulroney as Medical Director, the program enhances pediatric cancer care, improving survival rates and offering hope to families dealing with blood cancers.
Las Vegas, Nevada – MountainView Hospital has made significant strides in pediatric oncology by becoming the first facility in the state to offer CAR T-cell therapy and allogeneic stem cell transplants, a treatment that represents a breakthrough in the fight against blood cancers. This advancement is particularly crucial for families who have had to travel out of state to access specialized care, as Nevada historically faces a shortage of pediatric and oncology doctors.
A notable success story from this innovative treatment involves Aryanna Scott Brewer, a mother who was diagnosed with blood cancer while pregnant. After undergoing extensive treatments without success, she received CAR T-cell therapy, which effectively brought her cancer into remission. Aryanna’s journey took a hopeful turn when her daughter, Ruby Rae, was born three months premature, weighing only 1 pound 3.6 ounces. Ruby spent her first 442 days in the hospital, showcasing the resilience of both mother and child.
MountainView Hospital’s newly established Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy program will offer cutting-edge cellular therapy and stem cell transplants aimed at treating various blood cancers and blood disorders. This 12,000 square foot facility is set to officially open later this month, in a move expected to alleviate the burden on families needing specialized treatment.
Dr. Carolyn Mulroney has been appointed as the Medical Director of the program, and she emphasized the importance of developing local treatment options for families affected by cancer. This initiative stands to significantly enhance the availability of specialized pediatric cancer care within Nevada.
The advances in pediatric cancer treatment coincide with improvements in survival rates. In the 1970s, the five-year survival rate for pediatric cancer was between 58-68%, but this figure has risen to an impressive 83-88% today. Despite these advancements, cancer remains a leading cause of death among children, with approximately 1,600 children and adolescents in the U.S. succumbing to the illness each year. Common types of pediatric cancer include leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphoma.
In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the organization Make-A-Wish® Nevada is highlighting the impact of granting wishes to children battling cancer. Over the past 24 months, they have fulfilled more than 20 wishes for children in Northern Nevada, ensuring that these experiences can bring joy during their challenging times.
Further improving the healthcare landscape, Intermountain Health has plans to build a $1 billion, 150-bed free-standing children’s hospital in Las Vegas, set to open in 2030. This development is expected to further enhance pediatric care in the region.
Supporting the cause of cancer research, musician Steve Brown has launched a pirate-themed album titled Sail For Hope, with proceeds dedicated to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The album features remastered sea shanties and pirate-themed songs, aiming to raise funds and provide hope to those affected by cancer.
The personal experiences of cancer survivors also play a crucial role in advocacy. Cancer survivor Sandy Smith and her daughters have become active participants in fundraising for cancer research through their team, BRCA Mutants. After both daughters tested positive for the BRCA-1 gene, they have focused their efforts on supporting survivors and advocating for increased research funding. Their emphasis on community support is designed to mobilize resources and raise awareness about cancer’s impact.
The combination of innovative treatments, community support initiatives, and significant infrastructure investments offers hope to families navigating the difficult path of pediatric cancer. MountainView Hospital’s new program could be the beginning of a new era in local cancer care, helping to ensure that children like Ruby Rae receive the necessary treatment without the burden of traveling long distances.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment with CAR T-cell Therapy in Nevada
Additional Resources
- 8 News Now: Las Vegas Man Asks for Help After Developing Cancer
- Wikipedia: Cancer
- Nevada Business: Make-A-Wish Nevada Shines a Light on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Google Search: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Fox 5 Vegas: Groundbreaking Cancer Care Saves Life of Las Vegas Mom
- Google Scholar: Cancer Research
- Vibe: Montell Jordan’s Battle with Prostate Cancer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cancer Treatment
- WNBA: Cancer Awareness
- Google News: Cancer Support Initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
