University of Hawaii at Hilo

University of Hawaii at Hilo

200 W. Kawili Street

Hilo, HI 96720

United States

Elucidating the Mechanism Whereby Native Hawaiian Plant Extracts Induce Calcium-dependent Cell Death in Drug-resistant Neuroblastoma

Background

The proposed research project investigates the effects of traditionally prepared Native Hawaiian (NH) plant extracts on ER calcium signaling in drug resistant Neuroblastoma. Native Hawaiian traditional medicine has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Despite its use by many local communities and Native Hawaiian traditional medicine practitioners, the efficacy and pharmacological activity of Hawaiian traditional medicine is not fully understood.

Examining the Anti-cancer Effects of Native Hawaiian Plant Extracts in Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma

This project will be focused on examining Hawaiian ethno-pharmacology to identify alternative treatments for neuroblastoma patients. The initial work on this project identified two plants used in native Hawaiian medicine, noni (Morinda citrifolia) and ?olena (Curcuma longa) that exhibited anti-cancer effects. The extracts prepared from these plants were able to slow neuroblastoma cell growth, and kill neuroblastoma cells.

Molecular Mechanism and Development of Therapeutic Strategies Targeting MYCN-induced Calcium Signaling in Advanced Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma

Background

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric cancer that forms during the development of the nervous system. In very young children and in early stage of NB, the tumor frequently regresses spontaneously, or in certain cases surgical removal and minimal treatment are sufficient. However, the treatment of advanced stage of NB and NB in older children is extremely difficult because children are often diagnosed only after metastases are widespread. In advanced stages, NB has a very poor prognosis with a survival rate of only 10-40%.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer