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Update from Dr. Packer, Director of the Brain Tumor Institute: December 2010
In the last year there have been new advances in the understanding of both malignant gliomas and medulloblastomas. The molecular underpinnings of these tumors are becoming clearer and new therapies are in testing. At the Children’s National Medical Center, they have opened a trail using an innovative oral antiangiogenic drug, through the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium. The hope is that this drug, in combination with others will be effective in the treatment of childhood malignant gliomas.
This year they have recruited two young physicians, both are focused on bringing new therapies to childhood brain tumors. One graduated from Duke University and work centers on testing new therapies for medulloblastomas. The other is from Baylor University and is focused on bringing new therapies for malignant gliomas. This doctor is also a Chair of a study for children with brain stem gliomas through the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium.
They are also close to recruiting a physician from Boston Children’s to lead their investigations into the molecular genetics of childhood malignant tumors including medulloblastomas and high-grade gliomas. Doctors continue to work n the proteomics of childhood brain tumors. They also have a new laboratory focusing on childhood high-grade gliomas.
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