Researchers identified a fourth gene, IKZF1, associated with childhood leukemia predisposition, expanding cancer screening options. Germline variants in IKZF1 increase the risk of developing B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a common pediatric cancer.
Researchers worldwide can now access the world's largest public repository of pediatric cancer genomics data via St. Jude Cloud. The platform offers accelerated data mining, analysis, and visualization capabilities, enabling faster progress toward cures for catastrophic diseases of childhood. By harnessing collective power, global rese...
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital investigators present research on cloud computing, exhausted T cells, breast cancer risk in childhood cancer survivors and clinical trial design for CAR-T therapy in solid tumors. The platform St. Jude Cloud provides unique analysis tools and visualizations of pediatric cancer genomics data.
Research from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that leukemia itself may increase the risk of long-term neurocognitive problems, even before treatment starts. Elevated biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid indicate injury to brain cells, suggesting a complex interaction among genetics, treatment intensity, and other factors.
A new study found that adolescent and young adult cancer survivors have more available resources for emotional and practical support as well as advice on weight and physical activity. The study also showed a correlation between the strength of social networks and better coping skills.
A new study from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the American University of Beirut Medical Center demonstrates effective childhood cancer treatment in a refugee setting. The institution adapted its services to prioritize curable cases, showcasing a viable model for crisis response.
A comprehensive genomic analysis of childhood cancer reveals that children and adults have different mutated genes driving their disease, underscoring the need for pediatric-specific precision therapies. The study found that only 45% of the mutated genes 'driving' cancer in children are the same as those in adults.
The discovery of nucleophosmin's self-interaction mechanism could advance understanding of ALS and acute myeloid leukemia. Nucleophosmin plays a critical role in regulating the construction of ribosomes, which assemble proteins using RNA genetic code.
Researchers identified mechanisms driving 10% of high-risk neuroblastoma cases and showed c-MYC hijacks DNA to drive its own expression. The findings may help develop more effective therapies, including precision medicines. High-risk neuroblastoma has a poorer prognosis, but the study provides new insights into its development.
Rhabdomyosarcoma, the most prevalent soft tissue cancer in children, arises from immature progenitor cells that would normally develop into blood vessel cells, not muscle cells. The discovery opens a path for better treatments and may lead to new therapeutic drug targets.
Researchers found that germline variations in the tumor suppressor gene TP53 predispose children to develop leukemia and increase their chances of developing a second cancer. The variants are associated with reduced gene activity and were five times more frequent in pediatric ALL patients than those without the disease.
Research reveals memory CD8 T cells arise from effector CD8 T cells, which undergo demethylation to express genes associated with naïve T cells. This finding provides insight into designing more effective vaccines and expanding cancer immunotherapies.
Early evidence suggests that a gene therapy developed at St. Jude improves immune systems in infants as young as 2 months old with XSCID, offering broad protection and reducing the need for protective isolation. The treatment has been shown to be well-tolerated and effective in restoring immune function.
A high dose of hydroxyurea significantly increased fetal hemoglobin levels and reduced hospitalizations among young sickle cell anemia patients. The study found that maximizing the dose resulted in a substantial reduction in hospitalizations, with nearly all patients experiencing improved health outcomes.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a promising target for precision medicines to block the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway, which drives cell proliferation in medulloblastoma. Inhibiting this pathway using an investigational drug INK128 significantly extended the lives of mice with the tumor.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that young leukemia patients who received the flu vaccine were still susceptible to flu infections, highlighting the need for additional measures to protect vulnerable individuals. Researchers emphasize the importance of hand washing and other precautions.
A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that fertility preservation is associated with increased optimism about the future for survivors, but remains underutilized by at-risk patients with cancer. Meeting with a fertility specialist and parental recommendations are key factors in deciding to bank sperm.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that hundreds of precursor cells, not just a handful, are involved in establishing the blood system before birth. This discovery has clinical implications, as understanding how the blood system emerges can help unravel the origins of disease and identify susceptible cells.
Researchers identified levofloxacin as an effective antibiotic to prevent infections in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, reducing fever and bloodstream infections by 70%. The study found no increase in antibiotic resistance despite greater use of levofloxacin.
A comprehensive study reveals that childhood cancer survivors have a significantly higher cumulative burden of chronic disease, with an average of 17.1 conditions by age 50. The study suggests that these survivors may benefit from specialized healthcare delivery to manage their complex medical needs.
The Childhood Solid Tumor Network offers a vast collection of pediatric solid tumor samples, drug-sensitivity data, and related information to researchers worldwide. This resource has significantly expanded scientific resources for pediatric solid tumor research, enabling the study of rare cancers like osteosarcoma and retinoblastoma.
Research suggests HPV vaccination rates for childhood cancer survivors are lower than the national average, but healthcare providers play a crucial role in recommending the vaccine. The study found that nearly half of survivors who received recommendations were vaccinated, compared to just 23.8% of those who did not.
Researchers found that loss of liver kinase B1 (LKB1) in regulatory T cells disrupts cell metabolism and function, leading to functional exhaustion. This may contribute to allergic reactions and autoimmune disorders like asthma, multiple sclerosis, and lupus.
A team of researchers has discovered a fundamental pathology behind amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia, identifying the basic cellular malfunction underlying the diseases. The study found that an abnormal version of a protein called TIA1 causes phase separation in cells, leading to neuron death.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have found that survival of a deadly acute myeloid leukemia depends on production of heme, a molecular 'battery.' Researchers discovered that blocking heme synthesis kills leukemic cells, offering a potential new treatment strategy for AML.
A comprehensive genomic analysis of over 500 medulloblastoma patients revealed new mutations and genetic missteps, including two suspected oncogenes. The discoveries will aid efforts to develop precision medicines with increased survival rates and reduced side effects.
Researchers have identified a genetic variation that increases the risk of severe flu symptoms in patients. The variant, known as rs34481144, is linked to reduced killer T cell function and lower levels of the protective IFITM3 protein, suggesting a potential genetic marker for flu risk.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that abdominal radiation increases the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency in female cancer survivors, which can lead to infertility and poor overall health. Researchers recommend estrogen replacement therapy to mitigate these risks.
A consortium of researchers has performed a comprehensive genomic sequencing analysis of hundreds of patients with T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia, revealing new mutations and drug targets. The study identified 106 driver genes associated with cancer, including previously unrecognized mutations.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that restricting a key brain chemical, adenosine, helped adult mice learn from passive sound exposure, similar to young children. The study suggests extending the learning window in humans by targeting adenosine activity with drugs.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that epigenetic changes cause T cell exhaustion, leading to failed immunotherapies against cancers and viruses like HIV. Treating T cells with decitabine reversed exhaustion, enabling improved treatment efficacy.
Researchers developed an algorithm that functions like a Rosetta Stone to decipher how the immune system recognizes and binds antigens. The algorithm correctly assigned 81% of human T cells to one of 10 different viral epitopes, showcasing its potential in personalized cancer immunotherapy.
Researchers have identified an enzyme called Phospholipase A2 that triggers the movement of Smoothened into primary cilia, amplifying signaling activity. This discovery opens new avenues for developing drugs to treat developmental disorders and cancers associated with Sonic Hedgehog pathway hyperactivation.
A research team at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has revealed a previously unknown immune machinery underlying neutrophilic dermatosis, a group of autoinflammatory skin disorders. By mapping the biological pathways involved, the researchers identified key molecules and signaling nodes that drive inflammation and tissue damage.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have successfully regenerated auditory hair cells in adult mice using genetic manipulation. The research marks a significant step towards treating hearing loss in humans, which affects millions worldwide.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified trunk neural crest cells as key players in the development of blood-forming stem cells, which can produce any type of blood cell. This discovery may lead to new avenues for investigating stem cell biology and improving access to bone marrow transplantation.
Researchers have discovered a set of proteins that delays the 'executioner' machinery killing damaged or infected cells in necroptosis. The rescue treatments may prevent injuries to transplanted organs and help prevent cancer spread.
A study of over 3,000 childhood cancer survivors found that 12% carry germline mutations associated with increased cancer risk. Genetic screening is recommended for these patients to prevent future cancers and design personalized therapeutic approaches.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists shows that the histone writer enzyme Ezh2 can both suppress and drive the most aggressive form of medulloblastoma. Inhibiting this enzyme could be counterproductive for cancer treatment in certain situations.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a decline in radiation therapy for childhood cancer treatment led to a reduction in the development of second cancers among young survivors. The study, which included over 23,000 five-year survivors, suggests that efforts to reduce late effects of treatment are paying off.
The St. Jude gene therapy program will deliver gene therapy to patients with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency disease (X-SCID), also known as 'bubble boy' disease, at the University of California, San Francisco. The new grant supports widening access to this life-saving treatment for rare but deadly immune disease.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed new diagnostic screening and treatment recommendations for high-risk pediatric patients with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL). The study identified three genetic alterations that can predict treatment success, enabling personalized medicine approaches.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a mutation in the relA gene of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium that enables the bacteria to tolerate normally effective antibiotic therapy. The mutation resulted in elevated levels of alarmone, priming the bacteria to survive exposure to multiple antibiotics.
Researchers developed a model system to study ARID1A's tumor-suppressing effects on colon cancer. They found that ARID1A functions as a principal tumor suppressor by regulating active enhancers.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that NLRC3 protein plays a central role in inhibiting colon cells from becoming cancerous. The study found that deleting the protective NLRC3 protein exacerbates colon cancer development, but also identified key molecular components of its tumor suppressing pathway.
Researchers presented evidence on a novel approach to personalizing ALL treatment by tailoring doses of asparaginase and mercaptopurine based on individual patient responses. A comprehensive genomic analysis also revealed distinct genetic subtypes in acute erythroid leukemia, paving the way for targeted therapies.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a small RNA that regulates the production of a protein targeted by antipsychotics, providing new clues for quieting the 'voices' of schizophrenia. The microRNA was linked to disruptions in brain circuits and age-related delays in symptom onset.
A high-risk subtype of Ph-like ALL is prevalent in adults with ALL, associated with a poor outcome. The study found that many patients may benefit from treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as dasatinib and imatinib.
Researchers have discovered a new high-risk subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) characterized by chromosomal rearrangements involving the MEF2D gene. A possible targeted therapy, panobinostat, has been shown to stop proliferation of human leukemic cells with this rearrangement.
A new study of over 14,000 childhood cancer survivors found that while treatments have extended their lifespan, patients do not report better health status. The study, which looked at three decades of therapy, highlights the need for interventions to improve quality of life and health outcomes for these survivors.