Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope

Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope

1500 E. Duarte Rd.

Duarte, CA 91010

United States

Targeting DIPG with engineered macrophages

New ways of treating cancer using the body’s own immune system have been making big strides recently. Advancements in immunotherapy revolutionize the treatment of cancers. Adoptive transfer of engineered immune cells demonstrates significant anticancer efficacy. CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) receptors on engineered T cells enable them to better recognize and attack cancer cells. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a highly aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain tumor that usually occurs in children.

Saturating CRISPR gene body scans in MLL-rearranged leukemia

Leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemia account for more than 70% of infant ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) cases and 35%-50% of infant AML (acute myeloid leukemia) cases. The status quo to the treatment of MLL-r leukemia can be summarized as: little or no curative effect. The prevalence of these hematological disorders impacting the pediatric patients and the lack of effective treatments highlight the critical need for novel therapeutic strategies.

Neural Stem Cell-Mediated Treatment for Medulloblastoma

Brain Tumors, Medulloblastoma

Background

A Novel Target for Neuroblastoma Treatment

Neuroblastoma

Background

We speculated that agents targeting the protein-protein interaction mediated through the interconnector domain loop of the protein caPCNA may be selectively and preferentially toxic to neuroblastoma (NB) cells while sparing normal cells. To test this premise, we designed a cell permeable peptide containing the target sequence of PCNA (R9-caPep). We found that this peptide selectively kills NB cells while exhibiting little effect on non-malignant cells.

Neural Stem Cell-Mediated Drug Delivery for Targeted Treatment of Medulloblastoma

Brain Tumors, Medulloblastoma

Background

Medulloblastomas are the most common malignant childhood brain tumors. These devastating tumors develop in the cerebellum, which is located in the lower part of the brain and is important in motor control. Despite recent advances in treatment, current therapies for medulloblastoma are often severely damaging to brain development and skeletal growth. Therefore, new treatments are critically needed to improve the survival and quality of life of children with medulloblastoma.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer