The state of research in pediatric cancer is at a pivotal junction. Breakthrough findings are discovered with increased frequency. To dramatically boost the research commitment to the highest level possible and to accelerate the translation of paradigm-shifting concepts into tangible life-saving treatments for cancer patients worldwide, there is a need for increased researchers, equipment and facilities in which to conduct the relevant research.
Children’s Cancer Research Fund has recently purchased these valuable pieces of research equipment for the University of Minnesota Cancer Center:
AutoPure DNA Robot
With the explosion in genetic technology, we are in a position to evaluate genetic differences between children with specific cancers and children without cancer.
We also believe genes play a role in why some children treated for cancer have such severe late effects following therapy, while others do not. Crucially, genes important in the development of childhood cancer may differ from those involved in adult cancer, and require an intensive study of the human genome databases, which have recently become available.
The AutoPure DNA Robot allows researchers to:
- Screen thousands of genes at a time.
- Provide automatic purification of DNA from several different types of tissue in just a few hours—which used to take days and is costly on a per-sample basis.
- Produce high-quality DNA samples that can be rapidly translated into clinical and epidemiological studies.
FACSCanto
Using three lasers and five detectors to analyze cells, this piece of equipment enables researchers to more rapidly identify leukemia cells, evaluate immune cells designed to target leukemia, and isolate stem cell populations that can repair damaged tissues.
Training the Doctors and Researchers of the Future
Fellows trained in part by Children’s Cancer Research Fund support are making a worldwide impact. Our Fellows have taken their knowledge and experiences learned at the University of Minnesota and are using it to help cure childhood cancer in places such as Asia, Europe, Australia and at leading institutions throughout North America.