‘Research Updates’ Category

Medulloblastoma is a type of malignant brain tumor that is typically diagnosed in children and adolescents. It is one of the most common brain tumors seen in kids and accounts for 15-20% of all pediatric brain tumors. Medulloblastoma tumors usually form in the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls balance,…

As technology continues to advance and researchers learn more about how specific types of cancer form, grow, and respond to treatment, an increasing number of specific subtypes of cancer are being identified. The primary advancement in classifying all types of cancer currently comes from molecular profiling. Pediatric cancer is no exception and many new brain…

A child who is diagnosed with cancer has their life turned upside down by appointments, treatments, pain, side effects, hospital stays, and innumerable missed milestones, school days, events, and activities. For kids with cancer, it is especially important to prioritize general well-being and their ability to enjoy daily life. Donor support of The Morgan Adams…

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is an inherited genetic disorder that leads to the formation of tumors on the peripheral nervous system, called plexiform neurofibromas. Plexiform neurofibromas are often benign, but they can transform into fatal malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). Plexiform neurofibromas typically develop during childhood and early adulthood. They occur in various parts…

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is a rare and highly aggressive pediatric brain tumor. It typically affects kids 3 years and younger. The 5-year overall survival rate for kids with ATRT is about 30%. The standard treatment for ATRT is chemotherapy and radiation, which can improve outcomes, but leaves kids with significant long-term side effects. The…

Brain and spine tumors are one of the most common forms of cancer found in kids, second only to leukemia. Despite significant advances in treatment, brain tumors remain the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. The kids who do survive often suffer from long-term side effects from treatment, and face the risk of recurrence…

More than a dozen doctors and researchers from the Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program were invited to present their work at the largest global conference in pediatric neuro-oncology. The 20th International Symposium on Pediatric Neuro-Oncology was held June 13-15 in Hamburg, Germany. ISPNO is the major global meeting for the international community…

The 20th International Symposium on Pediatric Neuro-Oncology was held June 13-15, 2022 in Hamburg, Germany. ISPNO is the major global meeting for the international community of professionals involved in the scientific research, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of kids and teens with brain and central nervous system cancers. Doctors and researchers from the Morgan Adams Foundation…

Immunotherapy is a type of biological therapy that utilizes the patient’s immune system to fight cancer. Over the last decade, immunotherapy has been proven as a viable treatment for a range of cancers. One form of immunotherapy, called CAR-T cell therapy, has shown a high level of success for leukemia and lymphoma patients. As you…

Thanks to the support of generous donors, 28 projects have received funding for 2022. These projects address the widest range of pediatric cancers and represent the largest single-year financial support in the history of The Morgan Adams Foundation. This groundbreaking research has the potential to change the landscape for kids with cancer. The projects are…