Using advanced genetic mapping to potentially unlock groundbreaking new ependymoma treatments
Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our donors, we are bringing new hope to high-risk childhood ependymoma patients. Our organization is beyond excited to partner with Dr. Nicholas Foreman (one of our longest standing esteemed physician scientists) and his team at The Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program to bring to fruition an incredibly promising study focused on a particularly challenging high-risk pediatric brain cancer – ependymoma.
Through our partnership, Dr. Foreman and team have been investigating the better outcomes achieved when targeting a specific chromosome (chromosome 1q) known to cause the onset of ependymoma tumor growth as well as its recurrence.
Their team has now gone one step further – identifying the very genes on this chromosome that are the key triggers for the tumor cell development. This has enabled them to potentially target these trigger genes’ weaknesses – and develop new advancements that could make existing treatments exponentially more effective.
A clinical trial for two drugs that target these trigger genes in currently already underway. If successful, the results could lay the groundwork for an entire new generation of targeted therapies for high-risk ependymoma patients!
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What is pediatric ependymoma?
Ependymoma is a type of brain tumor that typically affects children under 5. It arises from abnormalities in the cells lining the brain and spinal cord ventricles. Ependymoma can occur anywhere in the central nervous system, but in children, tumors are most common in the posterior fossa, which is the back of the brain.
Ependymoma is the third most common childhood brain tumor. Current treatment for ependymoma includes surgical removal of the tumor and radiation. More than 70% of kids treated for ependymoma relapse within 10 years and there are very limited options for those children who relapse.
Ependymoma, particularly the posterior fossa group A (PFA) subtype, remains one of the most challenging pediatric brain tumors to treat due to its aggressive nature and poor outcomes.
When a cancer patient survives five years from the end of treatment, most medical teams consider it a success. However, for some pediatric brain cancers like ependymoma, being disease-free at five years does not equal a cure.
Want to learn more about the science behind this and other studies you’re helping to fund?