What is adrenal cancer?
Adrenocortical tumor (ACT) is a tumor of the adrenal gland. It is rare in children, accounting for only 0.2% of pediatric cancer. These tumors can be benign or malignant. You might also hear ACT called:
- Adrenal cancer
- Adrenocortical cancer
- Cancer of the adrenal cortex
- Adrenocortical adenoma
- Adrenocortical carcinoma
The body has two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands produce hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones have important jobs such as:
- Controlling how the body uses carbs, fats and proteins for energy
- Helping the body cope with stress
- Controlling blood pressure
- Regulating water, potassium and salt in the body
The outer layer of the adrenal gland is called the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex produces male and female sex hormones called androgens and estrogens. These hormones affect the development of male and female traits.
Why adrenal cancer research needs donor support
To advance our knowledge and understanding of adrenal cancer—and improve how we care for patients with adrenocortical tumors—St. Jude has established the International Pediatric Adrenocortical Tumor Registry (IPACTR). Our work includes:
- Collecting and studying data on pediatric adrenocortical tumors
- Conducting multiple ongoing clinical trials
- Using research findings to advance treatment options and improve outcomes for ACT patients
St. Jude adrenal cancer research programs
This study looks at a new treatment for children and young adults with solid tumors that have been difficult to treat (refractory) or have come back after treatment (relapsed).
Researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and at institutions around the world are working together to learn more about the clinical and genetics of adrenocortical tumor.
Your support helps us provide world-class adrenal cancer care
When you support St. Jude, you also help us provide the best care possible for children with cancer around the world. Kids treated by St. Jude for adrenal cancer have access to:
- Researchers from St. Jude and centers in different parts of the world working together to learn more about adrenocortical tumors.
- Treatment based on information from our International Pediatric Adrenocortical Tumor Registry (IPACTR).
- Support from our team of dedicated specialists including surgeons, doctors, nurses, genetic counselors, clinical dietitians, child life specialists, psychologists and more.
- Treatment from an institution that has ranked consistently among the best childhood cancer centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Why choose St. Jude for a children's cancer donation?
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.
St. Jude has helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate in the U.S. from 20% in 1962 to more than 80% today. We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you can help make cures possible for kids with cancer. Together, we can save more lives.
St. Jude patient Josie, diagnosed with neuroblastoma
Help us find cures for adrenal cancer and other cancers
Because of your support, we can provide children with cutting-edge treatments not covered by insurance, at no cost to families. Unlike other hospitals, the majority of funding for St. Jude comes from generous donors. Join us and be part of our mission to save more lives.
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