Where the Money Goes

You are here

Home » Where the Money Goes » ALSF Funded Projects » Genomic Studies in Pediatric AML

Genomic Studies in Pediatric AML

Institution: 
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Researcher(s): 
Alexandra Blumer
Grant Type: 
POST Program Grants
Year Awarded: 
2016
Type of Childhood Cancer: 
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Project Description: 

Background

Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the second most common pediatric leukemia. While anthracycline intensification has improved survival, it has also increased the risk for cardiac dysfunction. Currently, Dr. Aplenc's laboratory is working to describe the clinical epidemiology and genetic risk factors for early onset cardiac toxicity using data from Children's Oncology Group clinical trials. While anthracycline and other intensive therapies have been somewhat successful, still only 60% of children with AML will be cured.

Project Goal

Because of this and the success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the Aplenc lab and other investigators have sought to develop CAR therapies for pediatric AML. To accomplish this, the Aplenc lab has begun proteomic analysis of the pediatric AML cell surfaceome to identify potential therapeutic targets.

Featured Hero

Arianna Hines

Arianna is a firecracker. She is loving, empathetic, and bold. At a mere 13 months old, Arianna was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and began intensive treatment with some life-threatening complications. Today she is NED and her family raises money for ALSF.
Read more »