FACULTY:
, is an assistant professor in the Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at University of Southern California School of Medicine.
, is an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
OVERVIEW:
In this episode of Pediatrics Now, we bring a presentation by two experts from the Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations 2026 conference on why children—especially Hispanic and Latino youth—are being left behind in pediatric cancer care.
Adam De Smith, PhD, University of Southern California, reviews genetic and ancestral contributors to increased acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) risk in Latino populations, highlighting IKZF1 and polygenic risk patterns, ancient origins of risk alleles, and ongoing efforts to expand genomic studies across Latin America.
Jenny Ruiz, MD, University of Pittsburgh, examines how language access and communication gaps affect pediatric cancer experiences and outcomes, presenting qualitative interviews and quantitative analyses showing higher acuity and ICU needs for Spanish-preferred patients, and calling for better interpreter services and multifaceted interventions.
OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers
DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Adam De Smith, PhD and Jenny Ruiz, MD, have no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
The Pediatrics Now Podcast Planning Committee members: Steven Seidner, MD, and Holly Wayment have no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
The University of Texas at San Antonio and Steven Seidner, MD course director and content reviewer for the activity, have reviewed all financial disclosure information for all speakers, facilitators, and planning committee members; and determined and resolved all conflicts of interests.
CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION STATEMENTS:
The University of Texas at San Antonio is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Texas at San Antonio designates this live activity up to a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE:
Healthcare professionals will receive a certificate of attendance and are asked to consult with their licensing board for information on applicability and acceptance.
Credit may be obtained upon successful completion of the activity’s evaluation.
RELEASE DATE:
3/12/2026
EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028