Stephen Sallan's laboratory and clinical research focuses on the genetic heterogeneity of the most common malignancy of childhood, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The researchers are striving to understand the reasons for disease recurrence and drug resistance, to develop new, more specific therapies (including tumor vaccines), and to conduct all such research in the context of diminishing the toxicity of treatment. Current endeavors expand our investigations to adults with ALL and also extend the laboratory discoveries to other malignancies including lymphoma and adult cancer.

Brain tumors are the second most common malignancies of childhood and have become the most common cause of death in children with cancer. The treatment of such patients requires a diverse team with expertise in pediatric oncology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neuropathology, neurology, radiation oncology, and many supportive care services. The specialized team conducts clinical investigations that include innovative chemotherapy. For example, they focus on ways to interrupt tumor blood supplies (antiangiogenesis) and on specialized forms of radiation therapy that spare normal brain tissue while delivering high doses of toxic treatment to the tumor.

In addition, brain tumor tissue from patients is under active investigation in the neuro-oncology laboratory programs. Recently, Sallan and colleagues discovered that one relatively common type of childhood brain tumor, medulloblastoma, has a previously unrecognized molecular marker called TRK-C, and the likelihood of cure is directly related to the presence or absence of that marker.

Dr. Sallan received his MD from Wayne State University School of Medicine. He completed residencies in pediatrics at the Boston Floating Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Hospital for Sick Children, London and a fellowship in pediatric oncology at Children's Hospital Boston and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Dr Sallan received the Distinguished Alumni Award, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the James Carreras Prize for International Pediatrician of the Year.