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Research

Therapeutic targeting of the leukaemia microenvironment

In recent decades, the conduct of uniform prospective clinical trials has led to improved remission rates and survival for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. However, high-risk patients continue to have inferior outcomes, where chemoresistance and relapse are common due to the survival mechanisms utilised by leukaemic cells.

Research

Conduct of neuro-oncology multidisciplinary team meetings and closing the "gaps" in the clinical management of childhood central nervous system tumors in a middle-income country

Multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) are essential in the clinical management of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Evaluations of the impact of MDTMs on childhood CNS tumors and clinicians' perspectives on their effectiveness are scarce.

Research

The Role of Cannabinoids as Anticancer Agents in Pediatric Oncology

Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals that bind to receptors in the human body and, in turn, modulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS). They can be endogenously produced, synthetic, or derived from the plant Cannabis sativa L. Research over the past several decades has shown that the ECS is a cellular communication network essential to maintain multiple biological functions and the homeostasis of the body. Indeed, cannabinoids have been shown to influence a wide variety of biological effects, including memory, pain, reproduction, bone remodeling or immunity, to name a few. Unsurprisingly, given these broad physiological effects, alterations of the ECS have been found in different diseases, including cancer.

Research

DYRK1A regulates B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia through phosphorylation of FOXO1 and STAT3

DYRK1A is a serine/threonine kinase encoded on human chromosome 21 (HSA21) that has been implicated in several pathologies of Down syndrome (DS), including cognitive deficits and Alzheimer's disease. Although children with DS are predisposed to developing leukemia, especially B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), the HSA21 genes that contribute to malignancies remain largely undefined. Here, we report that DYRK1A is overexpressed and required for B-ALL. Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of DYRK1A decreased leukemic cell expansion and suppressed B-ALL development in vitro and in vivo.

Research

Immunogenicity of the inactivated influenza vaccine in children who have undergone allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant

This study provides evidence to support annual inactivated influenza vaccine administration to children following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant

News & Events

WA-based cancer pharmaceutical start-up secures CUREator funding

Researchers dedicated to developing the first cancer immunotherapy tablet have been boosted by a $374,000 CUREator top-up funding grant.

News & Events

Biobank funding supports valuable research resources

Four The Kids Research Institute Australia-based biobanks which underpin a range of cancer, respiratory and early life research have received more than $450,000 in funding.

News & Events

Researchers unlock key to slowing leukaemia progression in kids

When three-year-old Flo Parker injured her hip on a camping trip five years ago, her parents thought it would be nothing more than a common childhood injury.

News & Events

Kids cancer champion nominated for WA Australian of the Year

Dr Nick Gottardo, Co-Head of The Kids Research Institute Australia's Brain Tumour Research Team, has been announced a nominee for the 2018 WA Australian of the Year Award

News & Events

WA children with most aggressive cancers to benefit from Australian-first personalised medicine clinical trial

Personalised medicine for childhood cancers in West Australia is a step closer thanks to the Zero Childhood Cancer program’s state clinical trial launched today