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Our scientific and laboratory research encourages the introduction of new cancer treatment approaches. Some of our contributions to pediatric cancer treatment involve:
Antiangiogenesis
The field of antiangiogenesis, the process of preventing growth of new blood vessels to a tumor, was launched at Children's by Judah Folkman, MD. Pediatric neuro-oncologists at DF/CHCC) design treatment protocols that are used throughout the United States to use this process to treat children with pediatric tumors.
Decreasing Toxicity
Program investigators are defining ways to use effective chemotherapy while protecting vulnerable organs, such as the heart, for all forms of pediatric cancer.
Gene Profiling
Molecular study of the genes of children with treatment-resistant leukemia led to the identification of a new disease - mixed lineage leukemia (MLL), and a potential drug for the therapy.
Gene Therapy
DF/CHCC investigators were among the first in the world to use gene therapy to treat pediatric brain tumors. This work includes the use of neural stem cells as antineoplastic agents, which are substances that prevent the development or growth of cancer cells.
Immune Therapy
Immune therapy treatments are designed to stimulate a childs own immune system to identify and destroy cancerous cells on its own. DF/CHCC investigators are using immune therapies, like antibody and vaccines, to treat some types of childhood cancer.
Molecular Studies
DF/CHCC investigators use gene chip analysis and proteomics to design treatments that attack specific tumor components. The field of proteomics encompasses the identification and quantification of proteins, and the effect of their modifications, interactions, activities, and function, during cancer, disease states and treatment.
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