Taming free radicals to silence the epigenome of kinase active paediatric cancers

High-risk cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) & diffuse midline glioma (DMG) are responsible for 40% of all childhood deaths from cancer each year. Recurrently, children diagnosed with these cancers fail upfront therapies. We have discovered that these cancers produce more free radicals than other paediatric cancers, which promotes further damage & resistance to upfront therapies. Here we will test whether silencing free radicals will increase response to therapies & improve outcomes.

Overall survival is directly associated with a patient’s response to Standard Of Care (SOC) treatment. Improving response to SOC is an efficient way to improve outcomes in the near future, hence this novel approach seeks to synergise with therapies already used in the clinic. This project aims to enhance disease management in the upfront setting, reducing emotional, logistical and economic burden to patients and the health system and will contribute to achieving long-term survival for patients with high-risk cancers such as AML and DMG.