Damon Runyon Researchers

Dr. Waanders is committed to developing more effective treatments for the many children diagnosed with brain tumors each year. Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Mutations in BRAF, an oncogene that can drive cancer growth, are prevalent in pediatric astrocytomas. By studying how mutated BRAF can be targeted by the newest classes of cancer drugs, she hopes to understand why and how these tumors develop in children and which treatments might work best. Her preliminary research has shown that different BRAF mutations identified in pediatric astrocytomas respond differently to targeted BRAF treatments. These studies will be the basis for moving novel, targeted treatment strategies into the clinic to treat the many children afflicted by this devastating cancer.