Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer

Mentor Name: Elvin Wagenblast

Recently, researchers discovered that interaction between a special type of brain cells (neurons) and cancer cells plays a crucial role in the growth and progression of a highly aggressive brainstem tumor in children called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). The neurons associated with cancer cells contribute to tumor growth through direct electrical communication and signaling with chemicals like neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate and GABA). While the importance of some neurotransmitters is known, the role of a different neurotransmitter "serotonin" remains unclear.

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) occurs when certain blood cells begin to grow abnormally and dominate over others, even in people who are otherwise healthy. This condition becomes more common with age and increases the risk of developing blood cancers. However, for individuals with a rare inherited disorder called RUNX1 familial platelet disorder (RUNX1-FPD), CH can appear at a much younger age. While these early clones are often unstable and less likely to lead to cancer, stable clones become more frequent as patients grow older, increasing their cancer risk.

Leukemia is the most common cancer in children, accounting for almost 1 out of 3 cancers. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells and is the leading cause of childhood leukemic mortality. There is a great need to improve the outcome of children who are diagnosed with AML by developing better-targeted treatment options. Although both children and adults are affected by AML, studies indicate that the specific genetic mutations present in childhood and adult leukemia are different.