St. Jude 1970s Trivia

Explanation
In 1970, St. Jude issued a statement that leukemia can no longer be considered incurable. This suggests that significant advancements had been made in the treatment of leukemia over the previous decade. The statement implies that new treatments or therapies were developed, leading to improved outcomes for patients with leukemia. This is a significant development in the field of medicine, as it offers hope to individuals previously diagnosed with a disease that was considered incurable.

Explanation
Calmodulin is a small protein that was discovered by researchers in 1971. It plays a crucial role in regulating various important activities within living cells. Calmodulin is involved in processes such as muscle contraction, cell division, and the release of neurotransmitters. It acts as a calcium sensor, binding to calcium ions and triggering a cascade of signaling events that ultimately regulate cellular functions. Its discovery marked a significant advancement in understanding the intricate mechanisms that govern cellular activities.

Explanation
The given answer of 55 suggests that the study published by the hospital in 1972 showed a 55% survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) when treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. This indicates that more than half of the patients with ALL who received this treatment were able to survive.

Explanation
The St. Jude Midwest Affiliate Clinic opened its first domestic affiliate clinic in Peoria, Illinois in 1972. This means that Peoria, Illinois was the city and state where the clinic was established.

Explanation
Hospital Director Donald Pinkel, MD, received the Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award in 1972 for his contribution to the development of combination therapy for cancer. This recognition suggests that Pinkel's work in developing combination therapy had a significant impact on the field of cancer treatment.

Explanation
Alvin Mauer, MD became the hospital's second director in 1973.

Explanation
St. Jude Hospital was the first to identify T-cell leukemia as an important subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 1975. This discovery was significant because it helped in understanding the different subtypes of ALL and their specific characteristics, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with T-cell leukemia.

Explanation
In 1975, a new drug combination was discovered that was effective against leukemia, a disease that often reoccurs after initial treatment. This breakthrough in treatment provided hope for patients battling this form of cancer, as it offered a potential solution to combat the disease's recurrence.

Explanation
The ALSAC Tower was opened in 1975 on campus to accommodate the expanded St. Jude research programs.

Explanation
In 1976, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated St. Jude as a Collaborating Center for the study of the transmission of influenza from animals to humans. This means that St. Jude was recognized by WHO as an institution that would work together with them to conduct research and studies on how influenza viruses can be transmitted from animals to humans. This collaboration would help in understanding the mechanisms and potential risks associated with such transmissions, which is crucial for preventing and controlling outbreaks of influenza in humans.

Explanation
In 1977, the hospital initiated a significant endeavor to comprehend the lifelong progression of sickle cell disease. This implies that prior to 1977, there was limited knowledge about how the disease progresses over a person's entire lifespan. The hospital's initiative indicates a recognition of the need to better understand the disease and its long-term effects, potentially leading to improved treatments and care for individuals with sickle cell disease.

Explanation
Neuroblastoma is the correct answer because it is a disease that affects children and is the second most common solid tumor in this age group. In 1977, clinicians discovered a treatment that is effective for 55% of patients with this disease.

Explanation
In 1977, St. Jude developed a treatment that cures a type of pneumonia frequently fatal to children with compromised immune systems. This treatment also effectively treats AIDS, which is another disease that weakens the immune system.

Explanation
St Jude was one of the first to publish systematic studies of the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments for CNS diseases in 1978. This suggests that St Jude conducted research and documented the adverse effects of these treatments, possibly contributing to the understanding of the risks and benefits associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy for CNS diseases.

Explanation
Danny Thomas' motto for St. Jude was "No child should die in the dawn of life." This motto reflects his belief and mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to live a full and healthy life, free from the burden of life-threatening diseases. It emphasizes the importance of providing medical care, support, and hope to children and their families, regardless of their ability to pay. This motto encapsulates the core values and purpose of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Explanation
St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of St. Jude, is believed to watch over the hopeless. As the patron saint of desperate situations and lost causes, St. Jude is often called upon by those who feel hopeless and in need of help. Devotees pray to St. Jude for his intercession and guidance in times of despair and uncertainty. By watching over the hopeless, St. Jude offers comfort, strength, and hope to those who are facing difficult circumstances and feel like there is no way out.

Explanation
In the 1970s, the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity partnered with St. Jude to raise money to fight childhood cancer. This collaboration aimed to support the cause by organizing various fundraising events and initiatives. By joining forces, TKE and St. Jude were able to make a significant impact in the fight against childhood cancer during that time.

Explanation
The Memphis PGA tournament was created to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in 1970 through the program called "Eagles for St Jude". This program encourages golfers to make a pledge for every eagle they score during the tournament, with the proceeds going towards supporting the hospital's research and treatment of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Explanation
The St. Jude Biorepository became one of the first five repositories nationwide to be accredited by the College of American Pathologists in the mid-1970s. This accreditation signifies that the biorepository has met the rigorous standards set by the College of American Pathologists for the collection, storage, and distribution of biological samples. This recognition highlights the high quality and reliability of the St. Jude Biorepository in preserving and providing valuable biological specimens for research and medical advancements.

Explanation
In 1972, clinical investigators made one of the first attempts to treat Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as a systemic rather than a localized disease using anti-leukemia chemotherapy. This approach aimed to target the cancer cells throughout the body, rather than just focusing on the specific affected area. By using chemotherapy drugs that are effective against leukemia, they hoped to improve the treatment outcomes for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. This pioneering effort marked a shift in the understanding and treatment of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, paving the way for further advancements in systemic therapies for this disease.