Pediatric Brain Tumor Research – Shifting the Narrative: Prevention Rather Than Cure for Childhood Medulloblastoma (*$250,000 funded in 2023)
Dr. Michael D. Taylor
Cancer is the leading cause of death from disease in children in North America, with brain tumors being the most common. Medulloblastoma is the most frequent malignant brain tumor in children, affecting the cerebellum, which controls movement and coordination.
The standard treatment for medulloblastoma includes surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by radiation to the brain and spine, and chemotherapy. While this treatment can be effective, it often causes serious side effects. Survivors of medulloblastoma often face significant challenges. Many have intellectual and physical disabilities, struggle to finish school, find steady jobs, and form relationships. Sadly, even those who are considered cured may die young. Our focus is shifting towards preventing medulloblastoma by identifying and addressing the root causes before the tumor develops, aiming to eliminate the need for such invasive treatments.
Recent research from the Taylor Lab has discovered that medulloblastoma may start before birth. In some children, a mutation in the developing brain causes cells to keep dividing instead of becoming specialized. These cells can form a tumor that is present at birth but grows over time.
We are now using advanced genomic techniques to study these early brain cells in detail, focusing on finding specific markers that can identify medulloblastoma early. This current project is particularly looking at tumors in female children to understand any differences from males and to ensure treatments work for both.
The goal is to be able to detect and prevent medulloblastoma very early, before it becomes an actual tumor. By intervening at this nascent stage, we hope to stop the disease in its tracks, thereby improving outcomes and quality of life for children affected by this disease.