CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

98

Introduced by Senator Pérez

(Coauthors: Senators Arreguín, Grove, McGuire, Rubio, and Weber Pierson)

August 3, 2026

Relative to California Neuroblastoma Awareness Day.

WHEREAS, Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer in infants and the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood; and

WHEREAS, There are approximately 600 to 800 new cases of neuroblastoma diagnosed each year in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Neuroblastoma accounts for about 8 to 10 percent of all childhood cancers and approximately 15 percent of childhood cancer deaths; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 90 percent of neuroblastoma cases are diagnosed before five years of age, with many cases occurring during infancy; and

WHEREAS, Symptoms are often nonspecific, which can delay diagnosis and treatment; and

WHEREAS, Neuroblastoma accounts for a disproportionate share of pediatric cancer deaths relative to its incidence; and

WHEREAS, High-risk neuroblastoma remains one of the most difficult pediatric cancers to treat successfully; and

WHEREAS, The estimated five-year survival rate for children with high-risk neuroblastoma is approximately 63 percent; and

WHEREAS, Treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma typically requires intensive multimodal therapy, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, and immunotherapy; and

WHEREAS, Survivors may experience significant lifelong health complications, including hearing loss, organ failure, and subsequent malignancies; and

WHEREAS, Children with neuroblastoma often require prolonged treatment and repeated hospitalizations; and

WHEREAS, Anti-GD2 immunotherapy has improved outcomes for children with high-risk neuroblastoma; and

WHEREAS, Emerging therapies, including CAR-T cell treatments targeting tumor antigens such as B7-H3, are under active investigation for relapsed disease; and

WHEREAS, California is home to leading pediatric oncology centers and plays a major role in advancing pediatric cancer research and clinical care, including for neuroblastoma; and

WHEREAS, Childhood cancers, including neuroblastoma, historically receive significantly less research funding compared to adulthood cancers; and

WHEREAS, Children with high-risk or relapsed neuroblastoma continue to face limited effective treatment options and a high risk of relapse, highlighting the need for continued research and therapeutic development; and

WHEREAS, Increased awareness can support earlier diagnosis, improve outcomes, and help drive investment in research and treatment advancements for pediatric cancers; and

WHEREAS, September is recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the United States; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate designates September 3, 2026, as California Neuroblastoma Awareness Day to provide a dedicated opportunity to recognize the extraordinary resilience and courage of children and families fighting this disease and support the incredible effort of clinicians and researchers working to address this disease; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.