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Irreversible growth plate fusions in children with medulloblastoma treated with a targeted hedgehog pathway inhibitor

We report on 3 children treated with vismodegib who developed widespread growth plate fusions that persist long after cessation of therapy.

A novel technique of serial biopsy in mouse brain tumour models

Here we describe a method by which serial biopsy can be used to validate response to dacomitinib treatment in vivo using a mouse glioblastoma model

Recurrent MET fusion genes represent a drug target in pediatric glioblastoma

We identified previously unidentified gene fusions involving the MET oncogene in pediatric glioblastoma

Current gaps in knowledge and future research directions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with cancer

Paediatric cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in Australian children. Limited research focuses on cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Although there appears to be a lower incidence of cancer overall in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children compared with non-Indigenous children, a high proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.

Comparative analysis of malignant pleural effusion and peripheral blood reveals unique T cell signatures associated with survival in mesothelioma patients

The success of cancer immunotherapies has highlighted the importance of monitoring the anti-tumour T cell response. Patients with mesothelioma frequently present with a malignant pleural effusion (MPE) that is commonly drained regularly to alleviate symptoms. As MPE contains tumour cells, T cells and cytokines, it provides a unique opportunity to sample immune events at the tumour site.

IDH mutant high-grade gliomas

Gliomas are the most common type of malignant primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality in children and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients. The discovery of mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes has dramatically changed the classification and understanding of gliomas.  IDH mutant gliomas have distinct clinical, pathological, and molecular features including a favorable prognosis and response to therapy compared to their wildtype counterparts.

In vivo loss of tumorigenicity in a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft mouse model of ependymoma

Ependymomas (EPN) are the third most common malignant brain cancer in children. Treatment strategies for pediatric EPN have remained unchanged over recent decades, with 10-year survival rates stagnating at just 67% for children aged 0-14 years. Moreover, a proportion of patients who survive treatment often suffer long-term neurological side effects as a result of therapy. It is evident that there is a need for safer, more effective treatments for pediatric EPN patients.

BRAF-mediated brain tumors in adults and children: A review and the Australian and New Zealand experience

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway signaling pathway is one of the most commonly mutated pathways in human cancers. In particular, BRAF alterations result in constitutive activation of the rapidly accelerating fibrosarcoma-extracellular signal-regulated kinase-MAPK significant pathway, leading to cellular proliferation, survival, and dedifferentiation.

Incidence and survival for childhood cancer by endorsed non-stage prognostic indicators in Australia

Nick Gottardo MBChB FRACP PhD Head of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology and Haematology, Perth Children’s Hospital; Co-head, Brain Tumour Research

Stability and change in self-reported risk and resilience factors associated with mental health of siblings of individuals with and without neurodevelopmental conditions over 15 months

Siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) are a minority population at higher genetic and environmental risk of poorer neurocognitive and psychosocial outcomes compared to siblings of individuals without NDCs.