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Medulloblastoma is formed by mutations that activate the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Dr. Vokes is investigating how the Hedgehog pathway controls the expression of genes through specific control regions of DNA. Dr. Vokes and his team are studying those DNA control regions in medulloblastoma cells, to determine if they can control the expression of target genes, thereby providing a possible therapeutic target for medulloblastoma.

Targeted therapy works by attacking an abnormal gene product that is specific to the cancer type. Only a minority of neuroblastoma types show genetic drivers, which makes it difficult to develop targeted therapy. Most neuroblastomas show too many or too few copies of large chromosomal regions, called CNAs. Dr. Weiss is studying the connection between CNAs and neuroblastoma, to determine if it CNA is a possible candidate for targeted therapy. Dr. Weiss is engineering CNAs to create CNA-driven models of neuroblastoma, which he will then use to identify CNA-specific therapies to treat neuroblastoma.

Drug resistance remains a major obstacle in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Instead of targeting only the leukemia cells, Dr. Kim is studying the protective non-leukemia cells that are located in the bone marrow, creating a safe haven for drug-resistant ALL cells. Dr. Kim's team has identified a molecule in leukemia cells that allows leukemia cells to remain in the bone marrow and shelters them from the otherwise toxic effects of chemotherapy. Dr. Kim's Johnny Crisstopher Children’s Charitable Foundation St. Baldrick’s Research Grant is testing a novel inhibitor of this molecule to overcome drug resistance. The mission of the Johnny Crisstopher Children's Charitable Foundation is to raise awareness of pediatric cancer and provide funds for research, treatment, and - ultimately - a cure. Famed illusionist Criss Angel founded the foundation in 2008 for charitable causes but it has now become his life's mission since his son, Johnny Crisstopher was diagnosed with leukemia in 2015 at 20 months old.

Neuroblastoma is the second most common solid tumor in children, and is a cancer that frequently metastasizes to the bone marrow. Dr. DeClerck is studying how neuroblastoma cells "teach" bone marrow cells to promote tumor growth.

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer have an increased risk of developing secondary cancers, cardiovascular, metabolic and bone diseases as well as cognitive impairments, which can reduce their survival and quality of life. Furthermore, most AYA cancer survivors do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. Dr. Nock is conducting a pilot study using 'cybercycling' (stationary cycling with interactive video gaming) to improve quality of life in AYA cancer survivors. She will also see if this exercise program improves their motivation to exercise, body composition (weight, body fat), fatigue, depression, and sleep habits.

Young age at diagnosis and intense therapy result in multiple late effects for Neuroblastoma survivors. The majority of High-Risk Neuroblastoma HR-NBL survivors have striking growth failure. Dr. Mostoufi-Moab is investigating the mechanism of growth failure in high-risk neuroblastoma survivors. Dr. Mostoufi-Moab is employing state-of-the art imaging measures of the growth plate to study and understand the mechanism of growth failure in high-risk neuroblastoma survivors, and target future intervention trials.

Unrelieved symptoms lead to poorer quality of life for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. Strategies are needed to help AYAs manage symptoms. Dr. Ameringer and her team have developed the Computerized Symptom Capture Tool (C-SCAT), a novel way to assess symptoms where AYAs create a picture of their symptoms using images and text on an app. Dr. Ameringer is testing whether use of the C-SCAT improves the self-management of symptoms and patient-provider communication about symptoms in AYAs with cancer. Dr. Ameringer's findings will inform a larger trial of the C-SCAT as a strategy to improve AYA symptom self-management, and in turn, quality of life.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a tumor of white blood cells that normally fight infection. Changes in DNA, or mutations, are important in driving the development of ALL. Mutations in genes that control the reading of DNA are particularly common in leukemia cells that don't respond to treatment. Dr. Mullighan is studying engineered ALL cells and tumors to understand how these mutations result in resistance to therapy, and to develop new ways of treating ALL. The St. Baldrick’s Robert J. Arceci Innovation Award is given in honor of the late Dr. Robert Arceci. A pioneer in the field, this award reflects Dr. Arceci’s values including creativity, collaboration, and commitment to early- to mid-career scientists.

Children's cancer can spread through the body by hiding from the bodys immune system. There are certain cells, called regulatory T cells, that make it easier for cancer to hide by turning down the bodys immune system. Children with cancer who have a higher number of these cells seem to have a poorer outcome. Additionally, some cancers have these cells inside them. Dr. Mathias's lab has made a drug that can kill regulatory T cells, and will test this drug in a model to see the effects of killing the regulatory T cells, hopefully helping the body to improve the immune system's ability to kill cancer cells.

This grant funds a medical student to complete work in pediatric oncology research for the summer. The experience may encourage them to choose childhood cancer research as a specialty.

This grant funds a medical student to complete work in pediatric oncology research for the summer. The experience may encourage them to choose childhood cancer research as a specialty.

This grant funds a doctoral student to complete work in pediatric oncology research for the summer. The experience may encourage them to choose childhood cancer research as a specialty.

This grant funds a student to complete work in pediatric oncology research for the summer. The experience may encourage them to choose childhood cancer research as a specialty.

This grant funds a medical student to complete work in pediatric oncology research for the summer. The experience may encourage them to choose childhood cancer research as a specialty.

This grant funds a medical student to complete work in pediatric oncology research for the summer. The experience may encourage them to choose childhood cancer research as a specialty.

This grant funds an undergraduate student to complete work in pediatric oncology research for the summer. The experience may encourage them to choose childhood cancer research as a specialty.

This grant funds an undergraduate student to complete work in pediatric oncology research for the summer. The experience may encourage them to choose childhood cancer research as a specialty.

This grant funds a student to complete work in pediatric oncology research for the summer. The experience may encourage them to choose childhood cancer research as a specialty.

This grant funds a doctoral student to complete work in pediatric oncology research for the summer. The experience may encourage them to choose childhood cancer research as a specialty.

This grant funds two students to complete work in pediatric oncology research for the summer. The experience may encourage them to choose childhood cancer research as a specialty.