Description of request
I am part of a research consortium that studies the biological aspects of childhood craniopharyngioma. We study tumor tissue, CSF and blood specimens. No study looks at whether there are regional/racial/ethnic differences in the biology of this tumor. We would very much like to study this. We have infrastructure but need tissue specimens from various countries in order to study this.
Advancing Treatment for Pediatric Craniopharyngioma (https://www.childrenscolorado.org/research-innovation/research-area/neurology-neurosurgery/atpc-consortium/) is a 17 member North American consortium that shares tumor tissue, cyst fluid and blood from patients with craniopharyngioma. We have completed studies of the gene expression and inflammatory milieu associated with these tumors. We have preliminarily described biological targets to treat these tumors with novel therapies. Craniopharyngioma is a relatively uncommon tumor. To date, there have been no studies that examine the potential for biological variation based on the geographic origin, race or ethic background of the patient. We would like to undertake these studies in order to help verify that potential novel therapies will be expected to have the same efficacy for treatment throughout the world.
This project would require that snap frozen (-80 C or on dry ice) tumor and cyst fluid/blood be sent from the treating institution to our laboratory in Denver, Colorado, USA. We have research support to pay for transportation of the tissue and to help with any regulatory processes that would need to be undertaken.
In addition, we perform prospective clinical and quality of life follow-up of these patients, if this is something of interest to you as well. Thank you for your consideration.
Todd Hankinson
This Request is open to:
- Trained paediatric neurosurgeon
