Pediatric Tumor Research Lab
Innovating New Treatments for Pediatric Cancer油油
The Pediatric Tumor Research Lab at 消消消消消消消娼瞳 Childrens in Central Florida is a world-class research lab developing breakthrough treatments for children with challenging cancer diagnoses. Our research focuses on finding new ways to treat high-risk pediatric cancers while minimizing the long-term side effects of treatment.
Our team specializes in research that targets cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This precision approach could transform pediatric cancer care by eliminating many of the difficult side effects that come with current treatments, such as hearing loss, nerve damage and fertility issues.
Weve advanced innovations in treating neuroblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), two of the most challenging pediatric cancers. Through our research, we've discovered new therapeutic approaches that have shown promising experimental results.
We believe in a "bench to bedside" approach, ensuring every discovery we make has the potential to become a real-world treatment. By focusing on translating research into clinical trials, we're working to bring new hope to families facing pediatric cancer diagnoses.
Principal Investigator
Tamarah Westmoreland MD, PhD
Principal Scientist
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RESEARCH
- Research Interests
- Notable Projects
- Outcomes & Impact
- Recognition & Partnerships
Our Areas of Focus
Oncology (Cancer) Research
Our lab explores innovative ways to treat aggressive childhood cancers. Currently were focusing on the discovery that Zika virus can destroy certain cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.油
Our research has shown remarkable results, particularly in treating neuroblastoma and DIPG. Given that children and non-pregnant adults dont usually get sick from Zika virus, this approach offers the possibility of a therapy with no side effects.
Translational Research
Translational research is unique in that we approach laboratory-based research questions with real-world applications in mind. This is best described as bench to bedside research where our goal is progressing into human clinical trials.
We work closely with clinical teams to get promising research findings to the patients who need them most.
Recent Research Highlights
Neuroblastoma Treatment With Zika Virus
Neuroblastoma treatment with Zika virus using many different cell lines that include high-risk neuroblastoma, and cisplatin resistant neuroblastoma lines. Findings suggest a robust killing effect on neuroblastoma with no negative symptoms in mouse models detected. We intend to create more advanced murine tumor models to better understand Zika viral treatment which will be crucial to moving closer to a phase 1 clinical trial.
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Treatment With Zika Virus
DIPG in vitro and in vivo models were susceptible to the oncolytic Zika virus. Currently, were developing an intracranial DIPG engraftment model to explore a tumor microenvironment more closely mimicking DIPG within a patient.
How Were Making a Difference
Key findings from our lab include:
Pioneering Zika Virus Research: First team to discover and publish findings showing Zika virus as a potential treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma.
Advanced Brain Cancer Models: Developing cutting-edge brain tumor models to better study treatment effectiveness for pediatric brain cancers.
Multiple Treatment Approaches: Leading research in innovative cancer therapies, from viral treatments to nanoparticle-based solutions.
- Sustained Excellence: Seven years of high-impact research findings published in respected scientific journals.
- Research-Driven Solutions: Successfully tested multiple approaches to fight neuroblastoma, including viral, molecular, and nanoparticle therapies.
Commitment to Excellence
Our lab's excellence is recognized through prestigious awards and strategic partnerships. Our passion to advance childrens health and well-being is celebrated in these recent honors:
- Central Florida Research Symposium (2024):油Outstanding Scientist, Mazar, J.
- Pediatric Scientific Week (2023):油Research Excellence, Mazar, J.
- Pediatric Scientific Week (2022):油Research Excellence, Mazar, J.
- 消消消消消消消娼瞳 Childrens Hospital (2020):油Excellence in Research, Westmoreland, T.
Research Partnerships油
We expand our knowledge and leverage diverse perspectives with partnerships and collaborations within and outside our field of study. Within the 消消消消消消消娼瞳 system weve established robust cross-disciplinary research partnerships with:
- Principle Scientist: Sigrid Langhans, PhD, Delaware Valley油
- Bioinformatician: Karl Franke, PhD, Delaware Valley
External Partners
Moving beyond our walls, we collaborate with scientific leaders from other institutions. We currently work with , PhD and the Biomedical Science Core at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.油
Research in Context
Our labs contribute to research that informs pediatric care, working in alignment with research centers and focused areas of scientific study at 消消消消消消消娼瞳.油
Cancer Research
RESEARCH AREA
Investigators study childhood cancers to improve diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship through discovery science, clinical trials, and systemwide collaboration.
General (Pediatric) Surgery
CLINICAL CARE
Comprehensive surgical care for infants, children, and teens across the 消消消消消消消娼瞳 system, with teams based in Delaware Valley and Florida.
消消消消消消消娼瞳 Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Research
DELAWARE VALLEY & FLORIDA
Our investigators advance pediatric cancer care through innovative research, multi-state clinical trials, and specialized programs in Delaware and Florida.
Neuroscience Research
RESEARCH AREA
We investigate brain development and neurological disorders to advance pediatric neuroscience through collaboration and translational science.