Pediatric Brain Tumor Research

Current projects, ranging from basic science to translational research, include the following:

• Developmental biology of the mammalian brain
• Developmental cues in the early embryo regulating medulloblastoma migration
• Developmental biology of the cerebellum and mouse models of medulloblastoma
• Mouse models of medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma, and small molecule inhibitors for cancer therapeutics
• Evaluation of novel therapeutics in a rodent model of brainstem glioma
• Multi-laboratory research program focusing on pediatric medulloblastoma and brainstem glioma
• Novel immunotherapies for pediatric brain tumors

We are also involved in several national consortia, and have been awarded major grants to support multi-laboratory research efforts:

• Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC): UCSF is the lead institution for PNOC, an international consortium with centers within the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. PNOC is dedicated to bringing new therapies to children and young adults with brain tumors, with the ultimate goal to improve outcomes by translating the latest findings in brain tumor biology into better treatments.
• Children's Oncology Group (COG): This is a cooperative group combining the efforts of the major pediatric clinical trials groups based in North America to accelerate the search for a cure and prevention of cancer in children and adolescents.