The St. Baldrick's Foundation has awarded over $1 million in grants to support cancer research at CHLA, focusing on neuroblastoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The funding will enable the development of new immunotherapies with improved survival rates for high-risk neuroblastoma patients.
Researchers found that virtual reality significantly reduced patients' and parents' perception of acute pain, anxiety, and general distress during blood draw procedures. The study suggests that VR could act as a preventative intervention transforming the blood draw experience into a less distressing procedure.
A new T-cell therapy approach is being tested to help fight active viral infections in children with severe immune deficiencies. The therapy uses 'viral specific' T-cells that are engineered to target three common and potentially toxic viruses: EBV, CMV, and adenovirus.
A large national sample of youth will be studied over several years to understand how sexual minority stress changes over time and its resulting health risks. The study aims to enable the development of targeted and effective behavioral health interventions to improve health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
A study aims to develop biomarkers for early detection of cognitive and behavioral problems in premature infants, enabling the design of early interventions. The research focuses on identifying structural abnormalities in subcortical brain regions that may predict long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles developed a safe and effective way to derive genetic information from retinoblastoma tumors without removing the eye. The technique uses aqueous humor, which contains tumor DNA, to provide valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment.
A new study aims to find the lowest dose of chemotherapy needed for babies with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) undergoing bone marrow transplant. The goal is to restore the immune system safely and effectively with less toxicity than current regimens.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles identified a molecular pathway in an immune cell called a tumor-associated macrophage that supports neuroblastoma, a pediatric cancer. Targeting the STAT3 pathway with a clinically available drug may be a promising approach to improve outcomes for children with high-risk neuroblastoma.
The Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Consortium, headquartered at CHLA, will conduct a clinical trial comparing outcomes for young patients with newly diagnosed severe aplastic anemia. The study aims to determine whether using unrelated-donor blood and marrow transplant is better than immune suppression therapy.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles are studying the role of extracellular vesicles, or exosomes, in cancer metastasis. Exosomes, released by cancer cells, can modify the behavior of surrounding cells, making them hospitable to cancer growth.
The Southern California Consortium for Technology and Innovation in Pediatrics (CTIP) has awarded $165,000 in seed grants to accelerate projects improving the safety and delivery of care to infants and children. The funded projects focus on developing innovative medical devices to address unmet needs in pediatric care.
A recent study published in NeuroImage found that adolescents at risk for obesity have reduced neural activity in attention and self-regulation circuits. The researchers used fMRI to investigate the relationship between neurological activity and risk for obesity, suggesting that interventions targeting self-regulatory systems may be a ...
Muller Fabbri's research focuses on targeting immune cells contributing to disease progression in neuroblastoma. He aims to identify new molecular targets to prevent and overcome cancer resistance to treatment.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have successfully defined a rare pediatric malignant liver disease, HEMNOS, which showed positive treatment outcomes when treated like hepatoblastoma. The study found that all patients survived and achieved remission despite being considered high risk.
The CHLA Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) Program will train healthcare professionals to address emerging health issues among adolescents and young adults. The five-year program aims to prepare providers for culturally competent care, particularly for underrepresented populations such as LGBTQ youth and system-involved ...
A novel monoclonal antibody called emicizumab has been shown to decrease the incidence of bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia A and inhibitors by 87%. This breakthrough therapy offers a more effective and safer alternative to traditional treatments, reducing the need for frequent dosing and minimizing side effects.
A recent study by CHLA found that caregivers are generally more satisfied with actual care than expected in pediatric emergency departments. Effective communication between physicians and families can improve expectations and health knowledge.
A new biomarker assay has been developed to detect neuroblastoma with greater sensitivity, improving disease assessment and predicting relapse in children. The assay screens for five different neuroblastoma-associated genes, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the disease.
Elimination communication (EC) uses an infant's cues to recognize when they need to pee or poop, promoting early toilet training and protecting child health. By introducing EC at 6 months, caregivers can reduce the frustration and work associated with traditional toilet training.
Researchers discovered a disruption in B cell maturation preventing antibody production in children after bone marrow transplant, impairing their ability to fight infection. The study highlights the need for closer monitoring and targeted prophylaxis to address this critical immune issue.
Researchers have developed a novel signal-processing tool called Mouse Ultrasonic Profile ExTraction (MUPET) that enables unbiased analysis of mouse vocalizations. The tool provides time/date stamped analysis of ultrasonic vocalizations, allowing for correlation with video recorded behavioral interactions.
Researchers found that PID1 increases the killing effect of etoposide and cisplatin on medulloblastoma and glioblastoma cells. This study builds on previous work showing higher levels of PID1 mRNA in patients with longer survival times.
A study on reduced radiotherapy in young children with brain tumors found that deviations from the treatment protocol led to poorer outcomes. Children who received radiation therapy according to protocol had improved overall survival rates.
The STEP-UP program, supported by a $1.3 million NIH grant, provides biomedical research training to disadvantaged college undergraduates, promoting careers in biomedical research and academic medicine. Over 230 students have been trained, with 80% enrolling in doctoral or professional degree programs.
A study by Ravi Bansal and Bradley S. Peterson found structural differences in the cerebral cortex of patients with depression, which normalize with medication. The cerebral cortex thickeness is a compensatory response that helps reduce depressive symptoms.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles researcher Ching-Ling Lien will investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of coronary vessel development and revascularization using zebrafish as a model system. The goal is to determine how the heart regenerates after injury and potentially design therapeutic approaches for humans.
Researchers demonstrate resveratrol treatments can slow lung function decline and alveolar damage in mouse lungs. The study suggests direct lung administration of resveratrol may be an effective way to prevent chronic lung disease.
Researchers found that unconscious exposure to phobic images strongly activates brain regions involved in immediate fear processing, reducing the conscious experience of fear. This technique may be effective in treating anxiety disorders in children and adolescents by preparing them for feared stimuli without conscious awareness.
Short bowel syndrome results in significant changes to gene expression, including increased cell proliferation and immune response. The study provides a map of these alterations, potentially leading to new therapies for SBS patients.
The grant supports initiatives to reduce obesity among low-income populations through nutrition education and physical activity promotion. Champions for Change - Healthy Communities Initiative aims to create healthier environments for low-income individuals and families.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found a correlation between reduced regional cerebral blood flow in the Broca's area of the frontal lobe and more severe stuttering. The study also suggests that disturbances in speech processing areas of the brain are likely central to stuttering.
A randomized, controlled study found that sodium thiosulfate prevents cisplatin-induced hearing loss in children and adolescents with cancer, with a 29% reduction in hearing loss compared to cisplatin alone. The greatest benefit was seen in children younger than 5 years old.
Researchers found neuro-metabolite alterations across the brain linking stuttering to changes in brain circuits that control speech production and circuits supporting attention and emotion. Disturbances in neuronal or membrane metabolism contribute to the development of stuttering.
A biomarker has been identified to aid in the prognosis of pediatric ependymomas, a subset of brain tumors. This discovery may lead to novel therapeutic options and more effective treatments for children with these tumors.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a tissue-engineered model of the human lung and trachea, which contains diverse cell types found in the respiratory tract. This breakthrough model has the potential to improve our understanding of lung regeneration and lead to new therapies for damaged lungs.
Researchers at CHLA are developing a new treatment approach for patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by targeting the molecule integrin alpha4, which shelters leukemia cells from chemotherapy. The goal is to develop a novel inhibitor of this molecule for clinical use.
A study by Children's Hospital Los Angeles reveals Rac1 is crucial for proper lung development. The protein regulates the Wnt signaling pathway, essential for lung branching morphogenesis. Inhibition of Rac1 disrupts lung formation and leads to cell death in mouse lungs.
A team at Children's Hospital Los Angeles received a three-year grant to investigate chemoimmunotherapy in children with neuroblastoma. Recent pilot data showed promising results, leading to changes in standard care for treatment-resistant patients.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles identified a critical role of the MDM2 oncogene in promoting expression of the MYCN oncogene required for retinoblastoma cell growth and survival. The study found that MDM2 promotes MYCN expression, which plays a key role in cell proliferation.
A study published in Clinical Cancer Research suggests that combining dinutuximab with galunisertib inhibits TGFβ1 and allows NK cells to effectively kill neuroblastoma tumors. This combination therapy has shown promise in reducing tumor growth and increasing mouse survival.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles analyzed gene-disease findings to understand the co-occurrence of neurodevelopmental and mental illness with physical disorders. The study highlights the importance of a holistic approach to treating individuals, focusing on both physical and mental symptoms.
A research team at Children's Hospital Los Angeles has successfully generated functional human tissue-engineered liver from adult stem and progenitor cells. The tissue-engineered liver exhibited normal structural components, including hepatocytes, bile ducts, and blood vessels, and demonstrated in vivo secretory function.
A study of over 14,000 childhood cancer survivors reveals a significant increase in cumulative incidence of lung complications up to 25 years after diagnosis. The findings highlight the need for follow-up health care and suggest potential impacts on quality of life.
Scientists at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that glucose transporters are inhibited by E. coli K1 during meningitis, leaving insufficient fuel for immune cells to fight off infection. The study suggests modulation of PPAR-γ and GLUT-1 levels may boost the immune system to fight infection.
A study found that maternal HIV infection influences the microbiome of uninfected infants, leading to a relatively immature and dysbiotic microbiome. This disruption can compromise the infant's immune system development. Researchers propose providing beneficial bacterial and prebiotics to improve long-term outcomes.
A study suggests that adding DNA sequencing to current newborn screenings can predict the risk of developing CF earlier and improve outcomes. The researchers found that babies with a 5T allele may develop CF later in life, highlighting the need for additional screening.
The NIH award will support initiatives such as engaging underrepresented persons in clinical trials and developing robust electronic platforms for data warehousing. This will enable the SC CTSI to advance cutting-edge research and scientific breakthroughs in patient and community health.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have discovered a new genetic candidate for testing therapies that may affect fear learning in people with PTSD or other conditions. The study found that the Hcn1 gene plays a significant role in regulating anxiety and fear responses.
A study by Children's Hospital Los Angeles researchers sheds light on the development of appetite regulation in Prader-Willi syndrome. The study found that a gene responsible for PWS, Magel2, affects axonal growth, leading to lifelong metabolic dysregulation.
A study by Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that common pediatric diseases impact the healthy intestinal microbiome, reducing bacterial diversity. The study suggests that prolonged antibiotic treatment and disease process are responsible for changes in intestinal flora.