We are pleased to announce new and continued funding for four research projects within the Fanconi Anemia Cancer Consortium (FACC), a global initiative dedicated to understanding, preventing, and treating cancers that affect people with Fanconi anemia (FA). These projects, made possible through the commitment of FCF and our funding partner, Fanconi Canada, advance collaborative research that is improving early detection, guiding cancer prevention strategies, and laying the groundwork for future treatments. Together, they reflect a shared goal: to reduce the burden of cancer for everyone living with FA.
Advancing a Natural History of FA-Associated Cancer
Investigators: Neelam Giri, MD, and Lisa McReynolds, MD, PhD
Institution: National Cancer Institute, NIH
Funding Amount: $249,950
Drs. Giri and McReynolds will continue their work developing an evidence-based cancer screening program for individuals with FA through supplemental funding to their existing NIH Center Comprehensive Program. Their project studies the natural history of oral potentially malignant lesions (OPMLs) and investigates biomarkers of carcinogenesis.
The NIH cancer screening program has already enrolled more than 80 participants and collected thousands of biospecimens. By collaborating with other FACC investigators, the team is analyzing DNA damage in these samples, offering valuable insight into how cancer develops in FA. Their work will help establish effective early detection strategies and create a robust biorepository for future cancer research.
Developing a DNA Ploidy Analysis Platform
Investigators: Martial Guillaud, PhD, and Denise Laronde, PhD
Institution: BC Cancer
Funding Amount: $95,787 — Funded by Fanconi Canada
This project builds on ongoing collaborations among BC Cancer, the NIH, and the University of Düsseldorf. Drs. Guillaud and Laronde are developing an automated DNA ploidy analysis platform for oral brush samples from individuals with FA.
This innovative, noninvasive method enables frequent monitoring of cellular changes over time, providing critical insight into how precancerous lesions progress. Earlier detection and intervention can lead to better outcomes and a deeper understanding of FA-related cancer development. FCF extends sincere gratitude to Fanconi Canada for their continued partnership and support of this research.
Reducing the Burden of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in FA
Investigators: Eunike Velleuer-Carlberg, MD, and Christine Krieg
Institution: University of Düsseldorf; German Fanconi Anemia Family Support Group and Research Fund
Funding Amount: $74,366
This project continues the long-running “Reducing the Burden of SCC in Fanconi Anemia” initiative, first funded by FCF in 2006. Dr. Velleuer-Carlberg and Ms. Krieg lead efforts to advance oral cancer screening through education, outreach, and research.
Their work has shown the effectiveness of brush biopsy screening and continues to promote awareness among individuals with FA, clinicians, and dentists. Ongoing DNA ploidy analysis of pre-malignant cells will improve early detection and expand understanding of cancer progression in FA.
Testing Chemoprevention Approaches for Oral Cancer
Investigators: Agata Smogorzewska, MD, PhD, and Rachel Uppgaard, DDS
Institution: Rockefeller University; University of Minnesota
Funding Amount: $250,000
With a 500–700 times greater risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, individuals with FA face a pressing need for prevention strategies. Building on findings from FCF’s collaboration with Stand Up to Cancer, this multi-institute clinical trial evaluates naproxen and metformin as potential chemopreventive drugs for oral cancer. The study will assess both safety and biological markers of cancer prevention, establishing the framework for future chemoprevention trials in FA.
A Shared Commitment to Progress
The Fanconi Anemia Cancer Consortium brings together scientists, clinicians, and advocates from around the world who share a mission to reduce the burden of FA-associated cancers. FCF’s continued investment in this work—and the collaboration of dedicated partners like Fanconi Canada—helps drive meaningful progress toward earlier detection, improved care, and ultimately, prevention.
