Blocking the activity of an essential protein to treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Dr Maarten Hoogenkamp will continue his work into blocking the EAAT1 protein, which is crucial for the growth of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Looking for early signs on brain MRIs that can predict whether young people with ependymoma will go on to experience cognitive problems
Professor Shivaram Avula will identify markers in the brains of young people with brain tumours that will help predict the development of long-term side effects like learning and memory problems.
Creating innovative new treatments for childhood rhabdomyosarcoma by harnessing the body’s natural defence system
Dr Matthew Blunt aims to create and test immunotherapy treatments for rhabdomyosarcoma that are safer and more effective than chemotherapy.
Investigating the shape of fusion genes in rhabdomyosarcoma
How the 3D shape of fusion gene genetic code affects cancer cell behaviour and whether shape-modifying medicines could mitigate these effects.
Predicting high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma at diagnosis to improve outcomes
Assessing rhabdomyosarcoma risk prediction markers based on the biological conditions in the tumour, like low oxygen levels, few blood vessels, and genetics.
Determining the best approach to treat children with relapsed anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Looking at why ALCL sometimes relapses with a new targeted treatment, and understanding how to optimise this treatment approach.
What are the effects of radiation and chemotherapy on children’s developing brains?
Looking at the differences between healthy brain cells before and after treatment to uncover the mechanisms behind brain-related late effects.
Why do some leukaemia patients have long-term problems with learning and memory
Finding a way to identify patients at risk of brain related side effects from leukaemia treatment, and gathering data to inform future treatment options.
Detecting lingering brain cancer cells before a tumour grows back
Ependymoma comes back after treatment around half of the time, because some cancer cells are still alive. If doctors could identify these cells and diagnose relapsed ependymoma sooner, children could start treatment earlier.