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Whole genome, transcriptome and methylome profiling enhances actionable target discovery in high-risk pediatric cancer

The Zero Childhood Cancer Program is a precision medicine program to benefit children with poor-outcome, rare, relapsed or refractory cancer. Using tumor and germline whole genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA sequencing (RNAseq) across 252 tumors from high-risk pediatric patients with cancer, we identified 968 reportable molecular aberrations.

RAD51-Mediated DNA Homologous Recombination Is Independent of PTEN Mutational Status

PTEN mutation occurs in a variety of aggressive cancers and is associated with poor patient outcomes. Recent studies have linked mutational loss of PTEN to reduced RAD51 expression and function, a key factor involved in the homologous recombination (HR) pathway. However, these studies remain controversial, as they fail to establish a definitive causal link to RAD51 expression that is PTEN-dependent, while other studies have not been able to recapitulate the relationship between the PTEN expression and the RAD51/HR function.

Challenges to curing primary brain tumours

The seven key challenges summarized in this Position Paper are intended to serve as foci for future research and investment in brain tumours

The Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology/Oncology Group Biobanking Network

The ANZCHOG-BN was developed to improve and streamline access to high quality pediatric and adolescent/young adult cancer biospecimens for cancer research

Most clinical anti-EGFR antibodies do not neutralize both wtEGFR and EGFRvIII activation in glioma

We discovered a previously unknown major resistance mechanism in glioma in that most EGFR domain III-targeting antibodies do not neutralize EGFRvIII

Use of bevacizumab as a single agent or in adjunct with traditional chemotherapy regimens in children with unresectable or progressive low-grade glioma

Bevacizumab is well tolerated and appears most effective for rapid tumor control to preserve vision and improve morbidity

Developing and characterising juvenile models of aggressive paediatric brain cancers for the evaluation of novel immunotherapies.

While profound treatment responses have been realised using immunotherapy for some cancer types, this is yet to be seen for paediatric brain cancer patients.

Developing new immune based therapies for neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a complex childhood cancer of the nerve cells and the most common solid tumour in children outside of the brain. The average age of diagnosis is 1-2 years and tragically 50% of children with high-risk neuroblastoma lose their battle within five years.

Finding new, safer and targeted therapies for paediatric brain cancer that amplify responses to radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is an essential component of brain cancer treatment. However, the high doses currently required are extremely damaging to the growing brains and bodies of children.

Cancer Council WA supports development of less toxic treatments for childhood brain cancer

The Kids Research Institute Australia researcher, Dr Raelene Endersby, will work to develop less toxic treatments for children with brain cancer, thanks to support from Cancer Council WA.