In Vivo Validation of Cell of Origin and Candidate Drivers of Group 4 Medulloblastoma
Abstract
Dr. Schmidt received her PhD in pediatric neuro-oncology and molecular biology and is preparing for an independent career in academic research studying pediatric and other brain cancers. The Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program Horizon Award will give Dr. Schmidt the opportunity to further advance in brain tumor research and acquire all necessary skills to become an independent investigator. Dr. Schmidt’s researcher development plan is focused on her research and career goals, and emphasizes close interactions with her mentors and acquisition of expertise in the brain cancer field, in order to receive the optimal guidance for her research project and career plans. This includes, but is not limited to, regular meetings with mentors, attendance of cancer and brain cancer specific research seminars, workshops at the Helen Diller Cancer Center at University of California-San Francisco, and presentation of research work in laboratory group meetings, cancer seminars and at selected international conferences. The proposed study focuses on medulloblastoma, the most common childhood brain tumor, with 250 to 500 cases per year in the United States and a major cause of cancer-related mortality in children. Treatment for medulloblastoma requires high-dose multi-modal chemotherapy and radiotherapy that come with significant and long-term consequences, such as severe mental and physical disabilities, even when a cure is obtained. And medulloblastoma recurrence and its metastases remain incurable. To improve current treatment strategies and identify treatment options for yet untreatable cases, it is necessary to understand the origin and biology of medulloblastoma. Therefore, with this proposed project, we will identify the cellular and genetic origin of medulloblastoma and develop mouse models of this disease to study tumor development and test therapies. This proposal is also highly relevant to the health and welfare of active duty Service members, their families, Veterans, and other military beneficiaries. Due to exposure to radiation, chemicals, and environmental carcinogens, military personnel are at particularly health risk for cancer formation. It is therefore absolutely necessary to understand the processes that lead to cancer development to improve well-being of active duty Service members and their families. Successful completion of our proposal will not only inform about tumor development in the brain, but also elucidate basic principles of brain development. Further, obtained results will allow us to improve current treatment strategies and survivorship of pediatric brain cancer patients, as well as develop novel therapies for brain cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2010337
Entities
People
- Christin Schmidt
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of California, San Francisco