Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital Launches ARISE Cancer Consortium
Levine Children’s Hospital brings together children’s hospitals across the Carolinas to expand pediatric cancer research
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 23, 2024 – A groundbreaking initiative is set to redefine the landscape of pediatric oncology care and research across North and South Carolina. Today, Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital proudly announces the launch of the Alliance for Research and Innovations in Pediatric Oncology, also known as ARISE Cancer Consortium™, a pioneering group of regional oncology leaders collaborating to advance research, supportive care and treatment for children, adolescents and young adults battling cancer.
By fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration, the consortium aims to accelerate the discovery of new therapies and improve existing treatments. The alliance gives patients across the Carolinas early access to first-of-their-kind clinical trials, research and therapies.
"The establishment of ARISE Cancer Consortium represents a significant milestone in our fight against pediatric cancer," said Dr. Javier Oesterheld, vice chair for clinical affairs for Atrium Health Levine Children's in the Greater Charlotte region, and founder of ARISE Cancer Consortium™. "This consortium embodies our commitment to providing the highest standard of care and to driving forward research that will one day lead to a cure. Together, we can bring innovation and hope to pediatric cancer patients in our region like never before.”
Levine Children's Hospital will serve as the lead organization for this ambitious alliance. Recognized for its excellence in pediatric care, Levine Children's Hospital will spearhead the consortium’s efforts to bring together top-tier children's hospitals across the region. Every children’s hospital in North and South Carolina has been invited to join ARISE Cancer Consortium™. This collaborative approach will enable the consortium to pool resources, knowledge and expertise, all while giving patients more access to treatments without having to change where they go to receive care.
“One of the core objectives of ARISE Cancer Consortium is to push the boundaries of pediatric oncology research and we realize that to do this, to beat pediatric cancer, we have to all be working together,” said Oesterheld. “By uniting experts and resources, ARISE Cancer Consortium seeks to enhance clinical trials by sharing vital data and developing cutting-edge treatments that can improve survival rates and quality of life for young cancer patients.”
All clinical trials opened by ARISE Cancer Consortium™ will be run by Atrium Health Levine Cancer, the largest cancer program in the Carolinas. The alliance will first open a clinical trial aimed at reducing hospital stays for osteosarcoma patients receiving high-dose methotrexate, a medication commonly used to treat various autoimmune conditions and certain types of cancer.
“There is something really special about coming together with some of the brightest minds in the industry from a research standpoint, but also to truly enrich patient care,” said Dr. Lars Wagner, division chief of pediatric oncology at Duke University, one of the participating ARISE Cancer Consortium™ members. “By pulling together the research and strengths of each institution, we can truly walk beside these patients and provide them the best care, while also developing new treatment options for future patients.”
In addition to collectively working toward a cure, ARISE Cancer Consortium™ is uniquely dedicated to improving care and quality of life along the way. This includes focusing on supportive care, survivorship and other efforts that make a difference for patients today.
Alongside the collaboration of researchers and physicians, ARISE Cancer Consortium™ is made possible by the generosity and support of philanthropic donors. If you’re interested in donating, please visit AtriumHealthFoundation.org/ARISE.
To learn more about ARISE Cancer Consortium™, visit LevineChildrens.org/ARISE.
About Atrium Health
Atrium Health is a nationally recognized leader in shaping health outcomes through innovative research, education and compassionate patient care. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Atrium Health is part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, which was created from the combination with Advocate Aurora Health. A recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine is its academic core. Atrium Health is renowned for its top-ranked pediatric, cancer and heart care, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Atrium Health is also a leading-edge innovator in virtual care and mobile medicine, providing care close to home and in the home. Ranked nationally among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals in eight pediatric specialties and for rehabilitation, Atrium Health has also received the American Hospital Association’s Quest for Quality Prize and its 2021 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award, as well as the 2020 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Health Equity Award for its efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care. With a commitment to every community it serves, Atrium Health seeks to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all, providing nearly $3 billion in free and uncompensated care and other community benefits in 2023.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the United States – created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois, Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama, and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides nearly $6 billion in annual community benefits.