Pediatric Tumor Research Lab
Innovating New Treatments for Pediatric Cancer听听
The Pediatric Tumor Research Lab at 91大神 Children鈥檚 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.
We鈥檝e 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 we鈥檙e focusing on the discovery that Zika virus can destroy certain cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.听
Our research has shown remarkable results, particularly in treating neuroblastoma and DIPG. Given that children and non-pregnant adults don鈥檛 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 鈥渂ench to bedside鈥 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, we鈥檙e developing an intracranial DIPG engraftment model to explore a tumor microenvironment more closely mimicking DIPG within a patient.
How We鈥檙e 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 children鈥檚 health and well-being is celebrated in these recent honors:
- Central Florida Research Symposium (2024):听Outstanding Scientist, Mazar, J.
- Pediatric Scientific Week (2023):听Research Excellence, Mazar, J.
- Pediatric Scientific Week (2022):听Research Excellence, Mazar, J.
- 91大神 Children鈥檚 Hospital (2020):听Excellence in Research, Westmoreland, T.
Research Partnerships听
We expand our knowledge and leverage diverse perspectives with partnerships and collaborations within and outside our field of study. Within the 91大神 system we鈥檝e established robust cross-disciplinary research partnerships with:
- Principle Scientist: Sigrid Langhans, PhD, Delaware Valley听
- 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.听
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 91大神.听
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 91大神 system, with teams based in Delaware Valley and Florida.
91大神 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.