Dr. Ricardo Flores: Leader in the Fight Against Childhood Cancer
WoodlanStories Magazine recently met with the distinguished oncologist Dr. Ricardo Flores, who leads the Hematology-Oncology department at Texas Children’s Hospital in The Woodlands. He is the first Puerto Rican to hold such an important position at one of the world’s most renowned hospitals.
At the hospital, he works with a human touch, music, and laughter to provide the best care to children affected by leukemia.
In the United States, leukemia is the most common cancer among children and adolescents under 19. In Latin America and the Caribbean, nearly 30,000 cases of leukemia are diagnosed each year.
The Impact of Technology and Research in the Fight Against Childhood Cancer
“I came to the United States in 2007 after completing my training in Puerto Rico, and here in Texas, I found a fertile ground to continue my professional development in pediatric oncology and hematology.” According to Dr. Flores, one reason childhood cancer is on the rise is due to advancements in technology and improvements in diagnostics. Technology has enabled earlier and more accurate detection, which has led to the identification of more cases of cancer in children that were previously undiagnosed.
Despite the rise in childhood cancer incidence, the mortality rate continues to decrease. Dr. Flores highlights that currently, more than 80% of children diagnosed with cancer survive, though there is still much work to be done.
Most Common Types of Cancer in Children
Among the most common types of cancer in children, Dr. Flores mentions leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphomas. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia are the most common, followed by brain tumors and lymphomas. While new, rarer types of cancer have emerged, medicine continues to advance in offering more effective and targeted treatments.
Innovation in Treatments: Immunotherapy and Personalized Medicine
Immunotherapy is emerging as one of the most promising options for treating childhood cancer. This treatment takes the child’s immune cells, modifies them, and returns them to the body to directly attack the cancer cells. Thanks to these advancements, hospitals like Texas Children’s Hospital have become pioneers in implementing these new treatments.
The Emotional Impact of Childhood Cancer: Supporting Families
Cancer not only affects the child but also their family. Dr. Flores emphasizes the importance of providing emotional support to parents and siblings, as the treatment process can be long and exhausting. Many parents lose their jobs to care for their children, which further exacerbates the emotional and financial strain on families. This is why the hospital offers a variety of resources, from animal therapy to family events, to help alleviate stress and foster a positive environment during treatment.
Music and Magic as Tools for Emotional Healing
Dr. Flores is also known for his unique approach to interacting with children through magic and music. He learns magic tricks and plays the piano to connect with patients and alleviate their anxiety. “Magic and music have a profound impact on the children and their families. I realized I wasn’t just helping the children, but also the parents and the medical staff,” he explains.
Volunteering and Community Support: The Strength of the Hispanic Community
One of Dr. Flores’s most notable characteristics is his dedication to volunteering and his collaboration with the community. In 2017, Dr. Flores joined baseball player Carlos Correa to create a foundation that supports children with cancer. The foundation has raised more than $6 million in supplies and medications and organizes events that allow children to enjoy unique experiences, such as attending baseball games. The Hispanic community in Houston plays a crucial role in this support, coming together for fundraising events and offering their time and resources.
The Future of Childhood Cancer Treatment
Regarding the future of cancer treatment, Dr. Flores is optimistic. “We are advancing toward more specific treatments, such as immunotherapy, which directly target cancer without damaging other cells in the body.” Additionally, the advancements in technology and research in Houston are positioning the city as a leader in childhood cancer treatment and cure.
A Message for Parents Facing a Childhood Cancer Diagnosis.
For parents who receive a cancer diagnosis for their children, Dr. Flores sends a message of hope: “Today, the vast majority of children diagnosed with cancer survive, and we must face this battle together, knowing that medicine is making giant strides.”
