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Cellular Mechanisms of Tumor Growth & Inhibition
Signal Transduction
Researchers have discovered that the biological signals that are sent from a cell’s surface to the nucleus play a critical role in growth of tumors. Investigators at the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research’s Signal Transduction Program are researching these signals to find new ways to treat children’s cancers.
The Signal Transduction Program actively researches:
- The influence of tumor microenvironments on signaling in normal cells
- The role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor pathways in the progression of childhood glioma and medulloblastoma
- The interaction of the tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) family of receptors with the tumor microenvironment in human neuroblastoma
- Signaling events that regulate granule exocytosis in CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocyte
Cellular Engineering
While chemotherapy is currently the mainstay of cancer treatment, a promising new approach is to alter the biochemical processes of cells. Center for Cancer and Immunology Research scientists are investigating a range of possibilities, including whether they can engineer changes in the surface molecules of tumor cells that will slow or even stop tumor formation.
Tumor Host Interactions
Tumor cells grow within a microenvironment that can promote, or suppress tumor growth. To develop better cancer treatments, The Center for Cancer and Immunology Research’s Tumor Host Interactions Program investigates the complex interactions between tumors and their microenvironments. Tumor Host Interactions Program researchers actively investigate:
- The relationship between molecules shed by tumor cells (gangliosides) and the host anti-tumor immune response
- Immune parameters of medulloblastoma
- The immune response of tumor bearers
Cancer Immunotherapy
Teaching t-lymphocytes to target tumors and tumor cells may be an effective addition to treatments that prevent recurrence of cancers like neuroblastoma and leukemia.
Faculty who study tumor growth and inhibition
For more information, contact Stephan Ladisch, MD.
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