September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and a dedicated team at BC Children’s Hospital is pioneering a breakthrough approach to help children battling challenging forms of cancer – using the unexpected ally of eggs.
The innovative research technique, created by the experts at the Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, leverages proteomics, the study of proteins, and the unique properties of chicken eggs to swiftly identify vulnerabilities in a child’s tumor and determine the most effective treatment.
Dr. Philipp Lange, an investigator within the program, emphasized, “We have established a groundbreaking platform – a novel method to discover additional therapies for children when traditional options are limited.”
Dr. James Lim, another investigator involved in the project, explained the process further, stating, “Through the chicken egg model, even tiny cancer samples from a child can be rapidly cultured on the egg. Within just two weeks, we can progress from cultivation to drug testing, facilitating a swift and targeted treatment approach.”
In critical situations where time is of the essence for young cancer patients, the team is focused on aiding a particularly vulnerable group of pediatric individuals.
Tariq Bhat highlighted, “This initiative is aimed at those patients who exhibit resistance or fail to respond to standard treatment methods like chemotherapy.”
Generous contributions to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation have played a crucial role in enabling this groundbreaking research to move forward.
Dr. Lange also emphasized the wider impact of their work, stating, “The insights gained here have implications beyond pediatric cases. The knowledge gained can potentially benefit adult cancer treatments, and we are committed to advancing in that direction.”
Collaborating with medical professionals and scientists nationwide, the research team is striving to integrate this innovative approach into mainstream healthcare. However, continued financial support and resources will be essential to realize this goal.