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Research
A novel transcriptional signature identifies T-cell infiltration in high-risk paediatric cancerMolecular profiling of the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) has enabled the rational choice of immunotherapies in some adult cancers. In contrast, the TIME of paediatric cancers is relatively unexplored. We speculated that a more refined appreciation of the TIME in childhood cancers, rather than a reliance on commonly used biomarkers such as tumour mutation burden (TMB), neoantigen load and PD-L1 expression, is an essential prerequisite for improved immunotherapies in childhood solid cancers.
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A New Model to Investigate the Action of Radiation and Cigarette Smoke on Head and Neck Cancer CellsSmokers are at an increased risk of developing mucosal head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCCs) and have a worse prognosis when treated. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the latter has not been established. We therefore developed an in vitro model to investigate the effects of radiation and smoking on mucosal HNSCCs.
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Malignant Melanoma in Children and Adolescents Treated in Pediatric Oncology Centers: An Australian and New Zealand Children’s Oncology Group (ANZCHOG) StudyUnlike adults, malignant melanoma in children and adolescents is rare. In adult melanoma, significant progress in understanding tumor biology and new treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy have markedly improved overall survival. In sharp contrast, there is a paucity of data on the biology and clinical behavior of pediatric melanoma. We report a national case series of all pediatric and adolescent malignant melanoma presenting to ANZCHOG Childhood Cancer Centers in Australia and New Zealand.
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What matters for people with brain cancer? Selecting clinical quality indicators for an Australian Brain Cancer RegistryThe goal of a clinical quality registry is to deliver immediate gains in survival and quality of life by delivering timely feedback to practitioners, thereby ensuring every patient receives the best existing treatment. We are developing an Australian Brain Cancer Registry (ABCR) to identify, describe, and measure the impact of the variation and gaps in brain cancer care from the time of diagnosis to the end of life.
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IDH mutant high-grade gliomasGliomas are the most common type of malignant primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality in children and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients. The discovery of mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes has dramatically changed the classification and understanding of gliomas. IDH mutant gliomas have distinct clinical, pathological, and molecular features including a favorable prognosis and response to therapy compared to their wildtype counterparts.
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In vivo loss of tumorigenicity in a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft mouse model of ependymomaEpendymomas (EPN) are the third most common malignant brain cancer in children. Treatment strategies for pediatric EPN have remained unchanged over recent decades, with 10-year survival rates stagnating at just 67% for children aged 0-14 years. Moreover, a proportion of patients who survive treatment often suffer long-term neurological side effects as a result of therapy. It is evident that there is a need for safer, more effective treatments for pediatric EPN patients.
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Incidence and survival for childhood cancer by endorsed non-stage prognostic indicators in AustraliaNick Gottardo MBChB FRACP PhD Head of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology and Haematology, Perth Children’s Hospital; Co-head, Brain Tumour Research
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Rare case of spontaneous simultaneous extensive subcutaneous emphysema, bilateral pneumothoraces, pneumomediastinum and pneumorrhachisNick Gottardo MBChB FRACP PhD Head of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology and Haematology, Perth Children’s Hospital; Co-head, Brain Tumour Research
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Ultra high-risk PFA ependymoma is characterized by loss of chromosome 6qWithin PF-EPN-A, 1q gain is a marker of poor prognosis, however, it is unclear if within PF-EPN-A additional cytogenetic events exist which can refine risk stratification.
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Defining the molecular features of radiation-induced glioma: A systematic review and meta-analysisCranial radiation therapy is essential in treating many pediatric cancers, especially brain tumors; however, its use comes with the risk of developing second malignancies. Cranial radiation-induced gliomas (RIGs) are aggressive high-grade tumors with a dismal prognosis, for which no standard therapy exists. A definitive molecular signature for RIGs has not yet been established. We sought to address this gap by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the molecular features of cranial RIGs.