Girl fights same rare form of cancer father had as a boy

Girl fights same rare form of cancer father had as a boy

As a child, Lucas Post was cured of a rare type of cancer called Wilms' tumor. Now, 30 years later, Post is watching his 4-year-old daughter, Mia, wage the same battle.

CBS-Minnesota reports that Mia is undergoing a difficult and frightening treatment. But, the girl hopefully will suffer fewer side effects as a result of a study that her father participated in as a child.

Dr. Emily Greengard, who is treating Mia, told CBS-Minnesota that when Lucas Post participated in the trial as a child, doctors learned that they could use a lower dose of radiation and still get the same outcomes. That trial has had a direct effect on Mia's treatment.

Wilms' tumor is a rare childhood cancer that attacks the kidneys, CBS-Minnesota reports. About 500 cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. The American Cancer Society writes that Wilms' tumor is uncommon in children aged 6 and older.

Mia has been cancer-free for 16 weeks, according to CBS-Minnesota. Doctors will continue to monitor her with the hopes that the cancer does not return.