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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Bone marrow transplantation has been used for 60+ years to treat >1,000,000 patients suffering from many types of blood or immune diseases, and this therapy is the best current treatment for FA patients experiencing blood problems. This procedure relies on replacing sick blood-forming stem cells...
The Latest
News & Events
My lab’s vision for the next five years is to apply what we have learned to develop molecules that can alter FA protein behavior. These could be used to treat cancer or alter gene editing outcomes.
In a world where every day presents new challenges, my 11-year-old son, Omar, from Oman, stands out for his resilience and eagerness to raise awareness about Fanconi anemia. Diagnosed at just five years old, we truly believe his journey is a testament to hope and the strength of the human spirit.
That's why we're thrilled to announce the launch of the Fanconi Cancer Foundation-AACR NextGen Grant for Transformative Cancer Research, a flagship funding opportunity in partnership with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).