Laboratory-centered research
- Molecular pathogenesis of leukemia (Dr. Adolfo Ferrando): The goal of this research is to identify critical genes involved in the growth and survival of leukemia cells and to exploit this information for the development of molecularly tailored drugs that will result in the discovery of novel highly effective and less toxic therapies for children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
- Molecular epidemiology (Dr. Manuela Orjuela): The goal of this research is to determine if a link exists between environmental exposures prior to birth and the development of pediatric cancers in general and more specifically acute leukemia. The study is based on the finding that antenatal maternal exposure to air pollutants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons causes the development of chromosomal aberrations detected in cord blood samples. Thus, exposure to such chemicals, including cigarette smoke, during pregnancy may lead to a heightened cancer risk.
- Solid tumor biology (Drs. Darrell Yamashiro and Alice Lee): The goal of this research is to address a specific defect in differentiation in neuroblastoma, the dysregulation of inhibitors of differentiation, Id2 proteins and their target angiogenic genes.
- Brain tumors (Drs. Antonio Iavarrone and Anna Lasorella): The goal of this research is to identify molecular events engaged by Id2 and to establish the role of Id proteins in the natural progression of human nervous system tumors. Ultimately, the goal is to formulate the anti-Id molecules to be used as targeted therapeutic tools for these diseases.
- Molecular biology of tumor suppressor genes (Maria Luisa Sulis): The goal of this research is to characterize and determine the possible mechanisms of regulation of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene. This gene has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of the growth of cervical and prostate cancer as well as glioblastoma multiforme.
Clinical Investigation
- The HIDCAO is a full member of the Children's Oncology Group, the national consortium that directs clinical trials for children and adolescents diagnosed and treated for cancer.
- The HIDCAO is one of only 20 members of the National cancer Institute's Children's Oncology Group Phase I experimental therapeutics consortium
- The HIDCAO is a full member of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute childhood leukemia consortium that offers patients acute lymphoblastic leukemia the highest cure rates reported.
- The HIDCAO is a full member of the National Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium.
- The HIDCAO participates in the Pediatric Brain Tumor consortium that offers patients with brain tumors the best chance for cure with markedly reduced long-term side effects.
- Sponsor of a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neuroblastoma that utilizes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, stem cell transplants, immunotherapy, and biological modifiers.
- Sponsor of the first national clinical trail in children with cancer using bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agent that prevents blood vessel growth in refractory solid tumors.
- Sponsor of a study to measure folate-metabolizing enzymes, dietary folate intake, and correlate these results with survival and toxicity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
- Sponsor of a study to determine if the use of milk thistle will reduce liver toxicity in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
- Sponsor of a study to determine whether the use of supplemental glutamine will reduce vincristine neuro-toxicity.
- Sponsor of a study to determine whether patients treated for Hodgkin's disease with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy have an increased risk of late cardiovascular toxicity.
