LPT praised for supporting 'early-stage' cancer research project

Childhood cancer can be devastating, especially when it resists treatment and comes back stronger.

Neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that mainly affects children, is known for its ability to adapt to treatment and grow back. This makes it difficult for doctors to treat.

Thanks to one of The Little Princess Trust’s latest New Idea projects, led by Dr Alejandra Bruna at The Institute of Cancer Research, we will soon be one step closer to helping these children.

Alejandra has previously shown that neuroblastoma cells can survive treatment through a process called ‘plasticity’.

This means that the cancer cells can change how they behave in response to cancer treatment, without needing specific DNA mutations.

Plasticity leads to changes in the way cancer cells read and use their DNA, which can help them survive treatment.

She said: “In this project, we will investigate how plasticity is influenced by, and influences, the behaviour of other cells around and within the tumour.  

"We are planning a deep investigation of neuroblastoma cells and other cells within the tumour environment, specifically cells of the immune system.

"This could help identify new targets and new treatment strategies to stop treatment resistance.”

Alejandra’s team member Dr Cecilia Roux will lead the investigation into how neuroblastoma cells evolve with immune cells over time.

This is only possible thanks to exciting new advanced technology. Cecilia hopes to uncover exactly how cells interact to promote neuroblastoma survival and find ways to prevent this.

The research team will also test medicines that can prevent neuroblastoma from adapting to treatment, or can help the immune system fight it better.

This kind of support is not available from other big funders.

They hope to find new ways to block treatment resistance, leading to better outcomes for young cancer patients.

Alejandra is thrilled to have received a New Ideas Grant for this project. “The Little Princess Trust is supporting innovative projects which could be game changing in the future for children with cancer," she added.

"This kind of support is not available from other big funders, and these early-stage projects are fundamental for breakthroughs.

"LPT’s support is so important and relevant - I’m extremely happy and grateful."

Find out more about Alejandra’s new project here.