Grant Supports DIPG Research at Cincinnati Children’s
Post Date: February 24, 2020 | Publish Date:
A scientist at Cincinnati Children’s will use a $100,000 grant from the TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation to expand the search for effective treatments against diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs).
DIPGs are rare, incurable brain tumors. Most children live less than two years after diagnosis and the likelihood of survival at five years is about 1%. These tumors become intertwined with the tissues of the brain stem, making them inoperable. Radiation and chemotherapy have yet to show success.
Biplab Dasgupta, PhD, Division of Oncology, will examine the genetics and metabolism of the tumors to generate an interactive map of the cellular networks that make up DIPGs. This data, to be made public, ultimately could help researchers identify new targets for therapy.
The grant accompanies the Larry E. Kun Achievement in Excellence Award, which was created in recognition of Kun’s leadership in brain tumor research. Kun, who devoted most of his career to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, died in 2018.
“Each year we seek out researchers who are innovative in their approach to childhood cancer research,”
said Amy Pass, MD, TeamConnor Board Member. “This year’s recipients are exceptional researchers who
have dedicated their talents to find answers to difficult challenges.”
Dasgupta’s work expands upon Cincinnati Children’s leadership in DIPG research, which includes ongoing basic research, evaluating potential new treatments in clinical trials, and hosting the International Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Registry. Read more about about our Brain Tumor Center.
