Sophie McGuire is taking part in clinical trials of a new anti-cancer techniqueTwo-year-old Sophie McGuire, who has an aggressive form of neuroblastoma, is to be treated with immunotherapy at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.
The technique involves anti-bodies in the immune system being stimulated to identify and destroy tumours.
Sophie is taking part in an international clinical trial funded by Cancer Research UK, after a US study found using immunotherapy improved chances of surviving the disease.
The treatment has been used on adults before but not children. About 40 patients will be recruited to take part in the trials over the next 12 months.
Sophie lives in London with her father James, 35, mother Anne, 33, and sister Olivia, five, and when born in January 2007 appeared to be a happy and healthy baby.
But in February this year she started to limp and, following a visit to her GP and local hospital, her parents were told she had a virus that was affecting her hips.
She was referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital where tests revealed she had stage 4 neuroblastoma - the most advanced and aggressive form of the disease.
Mr McGuire said: "As a parent, that is the worst thing you can hear: 'Your child has cancer.'"
"Her condition was revealed by MRI scans which showed she had cancerous tissue wrapped around the arteries leading to her kidneys.
"She also had a secondary form of cancer which had spread everywhere, including to her bones, arms, legs and pelvis.
"At this point we discussed her prognosis with the doctors, which was a difficult and upsetting moment."
Doctors then spoke to the McGuires about her taking part in the trials, which will be carried out alongside sessions of radiotherapy.
