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.
Supported Research
Cancer Prevention in Fanconi Anemia through Alleviating Formaldehyde Genotoxicity
Amount Funded: $488,000
In collaboration with the American Association for Cancer Research, a global leader in cancer research, we’ve presented Dr. Wang with the 2024 Fanconi Cancer Foundation-AACR NextGen Grant for Transformative Cancer Research. Through this groundbreaking work, Dr. Wang seeks to prevent cancer in patients with Fanconi anemia (FA) by targeting specific nutritional and metabolic pathways.
The accumulation of DNA damage and genetic mutations ultimately causes cancer. This process is greatly accelerated in children and young adults with FA. A recent advancement in the field is the discovery that our bodies produce high quantities of reactive chemicals called aldehydes, which cause DNA damage in FA patients. In this project, Dr. Wang will leverage mouse models and FA patient samples to study the nutritional and metabolic pathways that regulate aldehyde production, with the aim of targeting these pathways as novel cancer prevention strategies for FA patients.
Researchers: Meng Wang, MD, PHD
Cancer Prevention in Fanconi Anemia through Alleviating Formaldehyde Genotoxicity
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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.