The Childhood Cancer Blog
The Childhood Cancer Blog
Above, this map shows the RNA clustering of childhood cancer PDX models. RNA works as a messenger inside of cells, carrying instructions from DNA for controlling cellular activities, like cell division.
by Trish Adkins
In 2000, the first draft of the map of human genome—a mosaic representation of characteristics of what makes our biology uniquely human—was released. The map paved the way for more genomics research in several fields ranging from human biology to agriculture and gave scientists models of genetically normal cells which they could compare to abnormal cells, like those cells that make childhood cancer so deadly.
Now, in 2018, an ALSF funded-research project has resulted in the release of over 270 genetic sequences of 25 different types of childhood cancer used... Read More
For childhood cancer researchers, publishing in a scientific journal is not just about the prestige and accomplishment. Publishing is one of the key ways scientists can collaborate and move closer to breakthroughs and cures for children.
“The purpose of research is the generation of new knowledge. If research is kept private and placed in a drawer then it is useless,” said Dr. Adolfo Ferrando of Columbia University, who published his research about a mutation that drives the relapse of acute lymphoblastic... Read More
Zach (pictured above, at age 10) battled a hard-to-treat type of lymphoma.
by Trish Adkins
Childhood lymphoma arises from the immune system cells and occurs when those cells grow in an uncontrolled and uncoordinated way. While it shares some similarities with leukemia, lymphoma often settles in the lymph nodes of the body, instead of in the bloodstream.
Each type of lymphoma is named by its cell of origin and this dictates treatment protocol. The good news: the most common types of lymphoma (Hodgkin, Non-Hodgkin, Burkitt) have relatively high cure rates as compared to other types of childhood cancer.
The bad news: cure rates are not 100-... Read More
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