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...
Supported Research
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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...
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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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More than four decades ago, Lynn Frohnmayer was a mother searching for answers after learning that three of her five children had Fanconi anemia. There was no roadmap and no established network of families or experts. Information was scarce, treatments were limited, and the future her family had been given was devastating.
What I hope for most is greater awareness, earlier diagnosis, access to treatment and support for families affected by FA in Malaysia. I hope no other mother has to go through what I went through, feeling confused, unprepared and alone while watching her children struggle with FA.
The Fanconi Cancer Foundation is pleased to recognize Dominika as the first-place recipient of the 2026 Winn/Byrd Award for Adults with FA. Dexter Sherrell received the second-place award for his work connecting people affected by rare diseases with researchers, health care professionals and advocates.