Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare inherited bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by chromosomal abnormalities and increased susceptibility to cancer. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is currently the only treatment for bone marrow failure, but its use is limited by the need for a suitable donor...
Supported Research
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Correcting FA mutations in all cells of the body may prevent issues such as bone marrow failure and cancer in people with FA. Since mutations in FA genes start during the gestational process, the ideal time to correct genes may be in utero. The goal...
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Studying a rare disease such as Fanconi anemia is challenging: data must be captured from as many treatment locations as possible. No single institution can have a breakthrough; it requires sharing as much data as possible from as many individuals as possible. Since 2015, Data...
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Individuals with FA have a higher risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HSNCC) at young ages. Long-term survival rates remain low because often these patients cannot tolerate conventional chemotherapy and radiation treatments due to issues related to toxicity. This study is the...
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The FA population carries a high risk for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oropharyngeal and anogenital regions connected with high morbidity and mortality. In addition to intrinsic genetic instability, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and a number of other factors contribute to the pathogenesis...
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This team will facilitate collaborations between all current and future participants of the Fanconi Anemia Cancer Consortium (FACC). The goal is to gather information and samples from past, present, and future patients to fully understand how tumors develop in FA patients and facilitate new prevention...
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Researchers will run samples collected by brushing lesions through an automated system to detect abnormal DNA content and malignant changes. By identifying high-risk lesions, closer follow-up and early intervention can be used to prevent malignancies. The goal is to establish a centralized lab at BC...
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Laboratory models of FA head and neck cancer are lacking and represent a major barrier to identifying more effective treatments. We helped pioneer the creation of patient-derived xenografts (PDX) from head and neck cancers and have developed the first PDX from a head and neck...
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Typical treatments for cancer involve conditioning that damages DNA and can therefore be harmful for people with Fanconi anemia, who cannot repair DNA. Researchers are testing drugs using patient-derived xenografts (tumors from patients that are grown in mice) to find a way to kill FA...
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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...
The Latest
News & Events
FCF has committed $631,164 to three projects addressing critical gaps in FA cancer research. The work spans different stages, from exploring oral gene therapy and screening drugs for FA-specific safety to analyzing clinical experiences that could inform future care. These projects are building the knowledge needed to pursue safer cancer options for people with FA.
Living with Fanconi anemia, or caring for someone with FA, brings ongoing uncertainty, complex medical experiences and emotional strain. These experiences affect more than physical health. They can also shape mental health, relationships, daily routines and a person’s sense of safety and connection. The Fanconi Cancer Foundation is pleased to introduce the Mental Health and Wellbeing Toolkit, a new resource offering practical tools and trusted guidance for people living with FA and those who care for them.
Our son Blake is 14 years old and eight years post bone marrow transplant. While we celebrate milestones, it’s important to remember that the transplant did not cure his Fanconi anemia. It gave him something incredibly valuable, more time, but FA is still part of his life.