$150,000 to University of Colorado Denver for Medulloblastoma research

Dr. Siddartha Mitra is heading the research project " Immune Evasion in High-Risk Medullobsatoma." Medulloblastoma is the most common solid tumor in children. Some kids have what are called  MYC-driven tumors. These kids are considered to be a high-risk group and their outcomes are quite poor. They need something better. 

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MYC has presented a challenge to researchers because of its complex role in the body. But there may be a way to block MYC in medulloblastoma and create the potential for more effective treatments. 

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Cancer often involves changes in gene activity, helping tumors evade the immune system. MYC plays a part in this by controlling genes that help tumors hide. Dr. Mitra’s lab has found a way to block MYC, which leads to a chain of events, ultimately making the tumor more visible and vulnerable to the immune system. 

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Dr. Mitra hypothesizes that blocking MYC activity activates inflammatory responses, aiding immune cells in destroying the tumor. He will use a cutting-edge proteomics analysis using Imaging Mass Cytometry to interrogate the tumor microenvironment. This new technology will reveal the functional states of certain immune cells and pathways surrounding the tumor, shedding light on how MYC-driven tumors evade the immune system. Ultimately, this research will help make medulloblastoma tumors more susceptible to immune-based treatments.

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