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Research

COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents aged 5 years and older undergoing treatment for cancer and non-malignant haematological conditions: Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group consensus statement

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and New Zealand Ministry of Health recommend all children aged ≥ 5 years receive either of the two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: Comirnaty (Pfizer), available in both Australia and New Zealand, or Spikevax (Moderna), available in Australia only. Both vaccines are efficacious and safe in the general population, including children. Children and adolescents undergoing treatment for cancer and immunosuppressive therapy for non-malignant haematological conditions are particularly vulnerable, with an increased risk of severe or fatal COVID-19.

Research

Tumour draining lymph node-generated CD8 T cells play a role in controlling lung metastases after a primary tumour is removed but not when adjuvant immunotherapy is used

Surgical resection of cancer remains the frontline therapy for millions of patients annually, but post-operative recurrence is common, with a relapse rate of around 45% for non-small cell lung cancer. The tumour draining lymph nodes (dLN) are resected at the time of surgery for staging purposes, and this cannot be a null event for patient survival and future response to immune checkpoint blockade treatment. This project investigates cancer surgery, lymphadenectomy, onset of metastatic disease, and response to immunotherapy in a novel model that closely reflects the clinical setting. In a murine metastatic lung cancer model, primary subcutaneous tumours were resected with associated dLNs remaining intact, completely resected or partially resected.

Research

SNAIL trail in myeloid malignancies

Transcription factors known to induce the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) (such as ZEB1/2 [zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1/2], SNAI1/2/3, and TWIST1/2) have been undoubtedly implicated in tumorigenesis, cancer progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance in solid tumors; however, their role in normal and malignant hematopoiesis has been underappreciated for many years.

News & Events

Ethan's brain cancer battle inspires research

A new research scholarship to combat childhood brain tumours will be launched tonight in honour of two year old Perth toddler Ethan Davies.

Research

Exposure to diagnostic radiological procedures and the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Diagnostic irradiation of the mother during pregnancy increases the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

News & Events

World-first clinical trial in ‘man’s best friend’ could unlock treatment breakthrough for kids with cancer

The Kids Research Institute Australia is leading a unique clinical trial in pet dogs that could pave the way for a new immunotherapy treatment for one of the most common childhood cancers, Sarcoma.

News & Events

Trial of new antibody gives hope to children suffering from brain cancer

Children with aggressive brain cancers could soon have access to a significant new treatment option, using a unique antibody that stops cancer cells from repairing themselves.

News & Events

The Kids Research Institute Australia Cancer Centre Researcher wins Cancer Council WA Fellowship

Cancer Council WA has awarded a Post-Doctoral Fellowship to Dr Ben Wylie, for his project to help kids with sarcoma.

News & Events

“Natural killer” donor cells fighting kids leukaemia

New research by The Kids shows donor immune cells are highly effective at boosting the body’s response against leukaemia.

News & Events

WA Child Research Fund grants boost research for premmies, kids with cancer and rare diseases

The Kids Research Institute Australia researchers have been awarded 12 of 16 grants under the latest round of funding from the WA Child Research Fund