A new and rare condition affecting patients with Fanconi anemia has emerged over the last few years. This condition leads to brain lesions which can lead to weakness, seizures and cognitive issues. We do not know the cause of this condition. Current thinking suggests that...
Supported Research
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Identifying safe and effective therapies for FA cancers requires preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate the natural progression of disease. This grant will develop models to better understand squamous cell carcinoma in individuals with Fanconi anemia using animal models and organoids created from FA patient cancer...
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People with Fanconi anemia have an extremely high risk of developing squamous cell cancers of the oral cavity, vulva, anal area, and esophagus. The risk of these cancers starts around teen years and increases throughout life with the highest risk for oral cavity cancers in...
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Individuals with FA are at an exceptionally high risk of developing squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) in non-keratinizing squamous epithelia lining the oral cavity, proximal esophagus, and anogenital region. The origins of these FA-associated cancers are not well understood. The goal of this project is to...
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Psychosocial Experiences of Adults with Fanconi Anemia: A Participatory Mixed-Methods Research Study
This project aims to partner with members of the Fanconi anemia community to design a first-of-its-kind quality of life study, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of living with FA, as well as issues of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Results of this study... -
A major problem in the care of patients with FA is managing the known risk of leukemia. As techniques for genetic analysis have exponentially improved in recent years, we now have the capability of finding very rare DNA mutations in the bone marrow suggestive of...
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The goal of this project is to identify drugs that improve DNA integrity and bone marrow stem cell function in FA. The Cantor lab has uncovered defects in so-called DNA replication that lead to small gaps and compromise cell turnover and fitness of FA cells....
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The objective of this proposal is to better understand the pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) for individuals with FA, in order to find practical and proactive preventive strategies to improve their quality of life. Specifically, this research aims to investigate the...
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Head and neck cancer is a major issue for the FA population. There is no suitable preclinical model to study potential strategies for preventing or delaying squamous cell carcinoma in FA. Using a cancer-prone mouse model developed by a lab in the United Kingdom, researchers...
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While the transplantation of healthy blood-forming stem cells from a healthy related or unrelated donor is the current standard of care for FA patients, this treatment carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality caused by the toxic preconditioning regimen and immunological complications. Our work...
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Institution: Laboratorio de Citogenetica, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, México Area of expertise: Medical genetics, dysmorphology. My work: I am a medical geneticist from Mexico City, introduced to the field of Fanconi anemia (FA) by my mentor, Dr. Sara Frias, whom...
At the Fanconi Cancer Foundation (FCF), we understand the critical importance of addressing mental health alongside physical health for individuals with Fanconi anemia (FA) and their family caregivers. Recent research on the mental health challenges faced by adults with FA...
The 36th Annual Fanconi Anemia (FA) Scientific Symposium and Adult Retreat took place in Charlotte, North Carolina in September 2024, and brought together researchers, clinicians, advocates, individuals with FA and community members from across the globe. This year’s theme, “It Takes...