PLGA Foundation - Recent News Updates

Results from the funding partnership between the Brain Tumor Society and the PLGA Foundation in 2009 produces new publications that continue to push the thinking about PLGA brain tumors.  Articles include:

Date: January 2012
Title: BRAF Alterations in Primary Glial and Glioneuronal Neoplasms of the Central Nervous System With Identification of 2 Novel KIAA1549:BRAF Fusion Variants

Date: June 2011
Title: BRAF Activation Induces Transformation and Then Senescence in Human Neural Stem Cells: A Pilocytic Astrocytoma Model

Caroline Hamilton (diagnosed with a PLGA at 6 years of age and currently on a clinical trial sponsored by the PLGA Foundation),  has a very persistent mother.  Sarah Hamilton, is determined to make a difference in the treatments available for kids who are battling the most common forms of children's brain tumors, and today, was interviewed on the Scott Hennen radio show which was broadcast throughout the Dakotas and Minnesota.  Sarah's mission is clear - to get the NIH/NCI to support critical PLGA research to find better treatments and a cure for PLGA.  To listen to Sarah's inspiring words, please select the arrow below to start the audio.

A recent PLGA Foundation funded grant at St. Jude's Research Hospital resulted in concrete data that points to possible new treatment targets for diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas; may tip the scales in the current debate about tumor biopsies.  Key Regulatory Genes Often Amplified in Aggressive Childhood Tumor of the Brainstem summarizes the findings.

Dr. Peter Adamson, Chair of the Children's Oncology Group addresses the issue of National Institute of Health (NIH) funding at risk in the current economic climate and its impact on children's cancer research.  Dr. Adamson states, "We are, however, entering an era of unprecedented discovery.  We now have the tools to uncover the underlying basis of all childhood cancers - and therefore the potential to transform the way we treat children with these dreaded diseases....At the same time, though, that essential factor in the last generation of major advances - NIH funding - is now at risk."    "This impacts all types of children's cancers....including pediatric brain tumors."