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Duke University

433A MSRB I103 Research Drive (Box 3156)
Durham, NC 27710
United States

Clinical Development of RNA Nanoparticle Vaccines Targeting Recurrent Pediatric Brain Cancers

Brain Tumors, Medulloblastoma, Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET)

Background

Cancer vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system into specifically targeting and killing invasive tumor cells. If tumor-specific antigens can be identified, these targets may meet the clear and urgent need for the development of safe and effective vaccines for children with recurrent brain tumors. We hypothesize that nanoparticles loaded with tumor RNA can serve as an effective immunization platform for eliciting potent tumor-specific immune responses in children with recurrent brain cancers.

The Role of Mxi1 in the Modulation N-Myc Function in Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is the third most common childhood cancer. Unfortunately, despite intensive treatment, two-thirds of children with advanced neuroblastoma succumb to their disease. Current intensive therapies have significant side effects, so new treatment options must be developed to improve outcomes in this devastating disease. To do so requires a better understanding of how neuroblastoma cells survive in the face of these intensive therapies.

Pathogenesis of T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia from Myeloproliferative Disorder

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a major type of pediatric leukemia. T-ALL is generally thought to be developed from thymocytes. However, recent studies from our lab suggest that T-ALL could be derived from cells of myeloid origin. We recently developed an experimental model of myeloproliferative disorder (MPD) characterized as neoplasitc expansion of myeloid cells. This MPD occurs in the mice injected with hematopoietic progenitors with a constitutively activated from of MEK (active MEK) that leads to activation of the MEK/ERK pathway.

Jeffrey Rathmell, PhD

Duke University

Modeling anaplastic medulloblastoma using cerebellar stem cells

Medulloblastoma

Metabolic control of p53 activation in T-ALL.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a childhood cancer that is treatable in many instances yet has a significant relapse rate that is difficult to cure. A common cause for T-ALL is mutation of the gene, Notch, which regulates differentiation of hematopoietic cells, promotes cell survival, and stimulates cellular metabolism of glucose. The ability of Notch to promote glucose metabolism is shared with many cancers and it has been long appreciated that cancer cells often have increased metabolism compared to their normal counterparts.

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Featured Hero

Charlotte Williams

Charlotte loves watching Bluey, swimming, and all things princess! Diagnosed with ALL at just 2 years old, to say her family was devastated is an understatement. But she never lost her sparkle to cancer. Today, Charlotte is still fighting bravely!
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