ABQ Times

As September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, The University of New Mexico (UNM) Children’s Hospital highlights its essential role in treating and supporting young cancer patients and their families. Leading the effort is Jessica M. Valdez, MD, MPH, an associate professor, institutional principal investigator for the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), and medical director of the Pediatric Infusion Unit at UNM. Valdez provides insights into the hospital's commitment to offering personalized, advanced care while managing pediatric oncology complexities in New Mexico.

Each year, around 100 children in New Mexico are diagnosed with cancer. UNM Children’s Hospital serves as the state's primary referral and treatment center for these patients, handling approximately 80% of new diagnoses. Valdez emphasizes the hospital's dedication to ensuring every patient receives top-tier care: "Our goal is to provide the same access to treatment and research that a child would receive anywhere in the country."

This dedication is supported by UNM’s participation in the Children’s Oncology Group, a national cooperative advancing pediatric oncology research.

One distinctive feature of UNM Children’s Hospital is its personalized care approach. "We hear time and time again from families that we don’t make them feel like they’re just another patient," says Valdez. The hospital's mid-size structure allows for closer relationships between healthcare providers and patients, which families often find beneficial.

UNM Children’s Hospital employs a multidisciplinary approach to pediatric oncology, collaborating with major institutions to meet its patient population's unique needs. Valdez leads a research project with Boston Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to examine minority populations' underrepresentation in clinical trials.

“We see different responses to treatment in Native American and Hispanic populations,” Valdez notes, stressing the importance of including these groups in clinical research for more effective treatments. The project's primary goals include identifying reasons behind limited clinical trial participation among Native American and Hispanic communities and finding ways to reduce barriers and increase engagement.

Recent advancements in pediatric cancer treatment have been significant, particularly concerning leukemia. Valdez mentions introducing the immunotherapy drug blinatumomab into frontline leukemia treatments has greatly improved survival rates: “We do a good job with pediatric cancers already, but now we’re looking at improvements up to 98% in survival for leukemia patients.”

Pediatric cancer impacts not only patients but also their families emotionally and psychologically. UNM Children’s Hospital addresses this by focusing on holistic patient care. "We focus on the patient as a whole," explains Valdez.

Through partnerships with organizations like the Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico, the hospital offers resources such as gift cards, counseling services, and assistance with bills. Additionally, it supports Camp Enchantment—a space where young cancer survivors can connect.

UNM Children's Hospital strives for equitable access to care regardless of family background or location: "We see everyone, no matter where they’re from or whether they have insurance," says Valdez. The hospital collaborates with local hospitals and clinics to ensure rural and underserved community members receive necessary care.

Valdez proudly shares recent successes: "This year we had a record number of high school seniors who completed their therapy while finishing their senior year." These achievements reflect hope and perseverance within the hospital's ethos.

As Childhood Cancer Awareness Month progresses, Dr. Valdez hopes for increased support for pediatric specialty care in New Mexico despite staffing challenges: "We are short-staffed in every single position but strive to provide top-level care." Increasing minority participation in clinical trials remains a priority for future efforts.

Dr. Valdez concludes by emphasizing awareness efforts: “Every September we do our best to bring awareness to pediatric cancer... Our team here at UNM really cares...we all work so hard together.”

About UNM Children's Hospital

New Mexico's only designated children's hospital

13 specialty services not offered elsewhere in state

NICU Level IV – Lovelace & Presbyterian have Level III

24/7 Pediatric Emergency Dept

Ped trauma

P Urgent Care

Rehab

Peds Neurosurgery

Children's Flight Service

Pediatric Respiratory Therapy

Pediatric Clinical Pharmacists

Pediatric Immunology

Pediatric Genetics/Dysmorphology

CART (Child Abuse Team)

CDD (Center for Development & Disability)

Only Pediatric Emergency Department in New Mexico

Want to help? Dr. Valdez encourages donations to the Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico or donating a CBC machine.