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The main aim of our Leukaemia Translational Research Team is to test innovative therapeutic approaches, with a focus on clinical translation of this knowledge, to improve the outcomes of children suffering from leukaemia.
Research
Preclinical Assessment of Dactinomycin in KMT2A-Rearranged Infant Acute Lymphoblastic LeukemiaInfants with KMT2A-rearranged B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have high rates of relapse and poor survival compared with children. Few new therapies have been identified over the past twenty years. The aim of this study was to identify existing anti-cancer agents that have the potential to be repurposed for the treatment of infant ALL.
Research
Polyamine depletion limits progression of acute leukaemiaCancer cells are addicted to polyamines, polycations essential for cellular function. While dual targeting of cellular polyamine biosynthesis and polyamine uptake is under clinical investigation in solid cancers, preclinical and clinical studies into its potential in haematological malignancies are lacking. Here we investigated the preclinical efficacy of polyamine depletion in acute leukaemia.
Research
Updates in infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia and the potential for targeted therapyOutcomes for infants diagnosed under 1 year of age with KMT2A-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have remained stagnant over the past 20 years. Successive treatment protocols have previously focused on intensification of conventional chemotherapy, but increased treatment-related toxicity and chemoresistance have led to a plateau in survival.
Research
Boosting the influenza vaccine schedule in children with cancer: a prospective open-label studyCurrent immunization guidelines recommend one dose of influenza vaccine for children aged ≥9 years and two doses for younger or vaccine-naïve children. However, children receiving chemotherapy have an attenuated immune response. We performed a prospective open-label study in children undergoing treatment for cancer at Perth Children's Hospital, Western Australia, to examine the safety and efficacy of a boosted influenza schedule.
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Comparative drug screening in NUT midline carcinomaThe NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) is a rare but fatal cancer for which systematic testing of therapy options has never been performed.
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Germ-line and somatic DICER1 mutations in pineoblastomaThis study suggests that germ-line DICER1 mutations make a clinically significant contribution to PinB, establishing DICER1 as an important susceptibility...
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A pre-clinical model of resistance to induction therapy in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemiaRelapse and acquired drug resistance in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) remains a significant clinical problem.
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Connective tissue growth factor is expressed in bone marrow stromal cells and promotes interleukin-7-dependent B lymphopoiesisHematopoiesis occurs in a complex bone marrow microenvironment in which bone marrow stromal cells provide critical support to the process through direct cell...
Research
Pre-natal, clonal origin of t(1;11)(p32;q23) acute lymphoblastic leukemia in monozygotic twinsInvestigation of this rare mixed lineage leukemia cytogenetic abnormality aims to provide further evidence of the genetic changes that underpin this leukemia.