We feel it is important for our current and future supporters to know about the breakthroughs that have happened and the promising therapies on the horizon. With your support, we can accelerate these efforts.

The following highlights are but a few of the ways in which we can achieve our dream of discovery and cure:

Immune (Natural Killer) Cells

Expanding and activating unique populations of immune cells (Natural Killer cells) is an innovative new strategy to attack chemotherapy-resistant childhood cancer cells. We have successfully developed techniques to expand and activate natural killer cells from both cord blood and peripheral blood.  We have additionally engineered these Natural Killer cells to express certain receptors on their cell surface to enhance and promote their ability to kill childhood cancer cells.  We are currently developing approaches that will further expand and specialize these Natural Killer immune cells to specifically target and kill childhood hematological cancers and childhood solid tumors.

Further studies are in progress to also engineer childhood tumor cells to make them more susceptible to killing by Natural Killer cells.  As childhood tumor cells become resistant to chemotherapy, alternative approaches are required to circumvent the chemotherapy resistance and kill the tumor cells through different mechanisms. 

Low-Intensity Conditioning Treatment

We have specifically developed a successful clinical program in children with both high-risk neuroblastoma and lymphoma.  In these clinical trials we are investigating the feasibility and efficacy of a low intensity conditioning treatment regimen prior to an allogeneic stem cell transplant from a matched sibling donor or matched unrelated cord blood or adult donor.  This approach is designed to reduce serious complications from standard high intensity conditioning treatment and to maximize effectiveness after the stem cell transplant.

This clinical and research approach has been successfully utilized in over 20 children and adolescents to date with 100% engraftment and with a significant reduction in the acute side effects compared to standard high intensity conditioning.  Furthermore, this research has yielded superior results in preventing the child’s cancer from ever returning post-transplantation.  

Targeted Therapy Utilizing Antibodies

Research utilizing antibodies for targeted therapy in children with hematological cancers (leukemias and lymphomas) has deservedly received national acclaim. This type of research has been a cornerstone of the ongoing scientific pursuits  underway at Columbia University.

Well-being

Patient and family well-being is critical to the successful diagnosis and treatment of children with cancer and other lethal disorders. We employ a multidisciplinary approach that brings together social workers, psychologists, child life specialists, clinical pharmacists, nutritionists and other specialties. The “Dreaming for Discovery and Cure” initiative ensures that this kind of comprehensive, human-centered approach can continue.

DONATIONS

Donations to the “Dreaming for Discovery and Cure” initiative are tax deductible. Donors who request one will receive an acknowledgment letter for tax purposes 100% of the donations will go directly to Dr. Cairo’s important research work at Columbia University.

Checks should be made out to:

The Trustees of Columbia University.

Please note on the memo line: Pediatric BMT Program.

Checks should be mailed to:

Patricia Seraphin

Divisional Administrator, Division of Pediatric BMT

Columbia University Medical Center

3959 Broadway, CHC 10-03

New York, NY 10032-3784

    212.305.0657