RESEARCH
Tumor Immunology research is newly fashionable, showing up on the covers of scientific journals and news magazines. But our pediatric oncology division has specialized in tumor immunology research for the last twenty years. Work in our laboratory focuses on preclinical models of pediatric cancers. We evaluate strategies that stimulate the immune system's response to cancer and that inhibit cancer-induced immune system suppression. We also work with experimental BMT models that examine novel therapies that suppress graft versus host disease while preserving graft versus tumor effects. Several of out laboratory projects have translated to early phase clinical trials, such as a cancer vaccine called CRCL and a current phase I/II clinical trial evaluating graft versus tumre effects in haploidentical bone marrow transplantation. Courtney's Courage has been instrumental in our research progress. Seed funds from Courtney's Courage has allowed us to gather the preliminary data needed to secure large grants from the National Cancer Institute, the Department of Defense, the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Courtney's Courage helps us build the foundation for bringing laboratory research into clinical practice, and into the lives of pediatric cancer patients.
Based on a tradition of excellence in patient care and cutting edge research, our Division at the University of Arizona and Banner University Medical Center continues to grow with five pediatric oncologists and four pediatric oncology nurse practitioners. We are full Children's Oncology Group members and participate in numerous clinical trials. Our laboratory program currently includes two faculty members as principal investigators, Emmanuel Katsanis MD and Yi Zeng, MD. PhD, three research specialists, three post-doctoral fellows, a doctoral student, a medical student and three undergraduate students. Our goal is to continue to make research discoveries that can improve outcomes of children with cancer and translate these discoveries to innovative early phase clinical trials that will be available for our patients and for children across the country.
FELLOWSHIP
Courtney's Courage issued a check for $50,000 funding Dr. Katsanis in support of Andres Diaz as our Courtney Zillman Fellow. Andres F. Diaz is a MD/PhD student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Andres is currently in the PhD phase of a dual-degree program, and working in the lab of Dr. Emmanuel Katsanis. Under his guidance and that of Dr. Forrest Baker, Andres is exploring the tumor-killing potential of a unique subset of immune cells called gamma/delta T-cells. Recent work has shown that these cells have unique immune functions against cancer and can potentially be isolated from donors and infused into patients in various clinical settings.
His work focuses on investigating how gamma/delta T-cells can be utilized against neuroblastoma, particularly for high-risk patients and those with treatment-refractory disease. Neuroblastoma remains an under-researched and under-funded orphan disease. As such, Andres is committed to devoting his PhD to make a tangible impact in our knowledge and treatment of this malignancy. Although much work remains to be done, Andres is optimistic that a better understanding of gamma/delta T-cells can lead to real therapies for neuroblastoma patients; all in an effort to give these children an opportunity at a long, prosperous, and fulfilling life.