Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University

2301 Vanderbilt Place, PMB 407749

Nashbille, TN 37240

United States

Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies for Squamous Transformation in Pediatric Diffuse Sclerosing Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (DSV-PTC)

Diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (DSV-PTC) is a rare but aggressive form of thyroid cancer that occurs more commonly in children than adults. Although thyroid cancer in children is usually treatable, this particular subtype behaves differently. The cancer often spreads beyond the thyroid gland into nearby tissues and lymph nodes, and many children require extensive surgery and radioactive iodine therapy. Despite these treatments, about half of patients have recurrent disease that requires repeated surgeries and additional radiation over their lifetime.

The NSL histone acetyltransferase complex as a therapeutic target for N-MYC-driven neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a form of cancer that typically affects children under the age of five. Infants diagnosed with the most aggressive forms of the disease often die, usually after suffering treatment regimens that can involve combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Decades of research have established that a protein called "N-MYC" plays a major role in promoting the deadliest forms of neuroblastoma, and made it clear that drugs capable of interfering with N-MYC in neuroblastoma cells would dramatically improve outcomes for children suffering this disease.

Molecular Engineering of Tumor Targeted STING Agonists to Enhance Neuroblastoma Immunotherapy

Neuroblastoma

Mentor: Dr. John Wilson

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer