Research Horizons at Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation
Explore highlights of the exciting research happening at Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation with Research Horizons. Each issue features recent studies published by Cincinnati Children's investigators. By combining cutting-edge research and education with the best in pediatric care, we are striving to improve the lives of children and families everywhere.
This issue features these news briefs:
In addition, you will find the following feature stories that highlight some of our many world-class researchers:
Just as we find ourselves on the threshold of advances that could turn our molecular toolbox into an effective arsenal against cancer, obesity, diabetes and heart disease, the field of medical research is under financial siege. Progress is replaced with growing stagnation in new research projects and discovery, and the cost of inertia is paid in the currency of continued human suffering. [more]
The same viruses that have plagued us with diseases like influenza and chicken pox could potentially offer a cure for some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers in children, Cincinnati Children’s researchers believe. Tim Cripe, MD, a clinician and researcher in the Division of Hematology / Oncology at Cincinnati Children’s, is working with a team to fight cancer by injecting a genetically modified herpes virus into tumors. The virus kills the cancer without harming healthy tissue. Their work was published early this year in Cancer Research. [more]
Earlier this year, Dr. Nancy Ratner and her colleagues revealed that they have created an improved mouse model for the genetic condition neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The model will both enhance scientific understanding of the disease and significantly accelerate the pace for developing therapies to treat it. The new model was unveiled in a multi-institutional study published in the February edition of the journal Cancer Cell. [more]
Cancer cells are one of nature’s most sinister predators. They prey on the body’s otherwise healthy systems, using what they need to feed their growth and ravaging whatever gets in their way. The body’s clotting system seems to be one of cancer’s favorite means of growing and spreading. Joseph Palumbo, MD, a researcher in the Division of Hematology / Oncology at Cincinnati Children’s, is working to understand just how this is so. [more]
Chaired by Stella Davies, MD, director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program in the Division of Hematology / Oncology, the study is looking at the best way to use the body’s natural killer cells to destroy residual cancer cells lurking in the marrow after a transplant. [more]
Dr. Denise Adams, now medical director of the Comprehensive Hemangioma and Vascular Malformation Center at Cincinnati Children’s, is at the forefront of a new approach to studying and treating vascular anomalies, a large and complex group of diseases. The term “vascular anomalies” encompasses a wide range of conditions, ranging from uncomplicated vascular tumors, such as hemangiomas, to much more serious vascular tumors and malformations. [more]
Interventional radiologists here are using the latest multi-dimensional imaging – like that used in video games – to help hematologists, oncologists and surgeons replace open surgery with minimally invasive techniques. Advanced 3-D images give doctors views of the body’s innermost workings that were previously impossible without open surgery, says John Racadio, MD, chief of interventional radiology. As a result, young patients have fewer risks, less pain and shorter hospital stays. [more]
