Fighting childhood cancer, one cup at a time.
by Trish Adkins
When a child receives the diagnosis of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), the diagnosis comes with an end date.
Thus far, DIPG is always lethal.
But, ALSF-funded grantee Dr. Michelle Monje of Stanford University, does not believe it has to be. Dr. Monje, who specializes in studying high-grade gliomas, is close to a powerful breakthrough that could change the prognosis for children with DIPG.
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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