Understanding the biology of brain tumours

The Taylor Lab uses genetic tools to investigate how normal cells are turned into brain tumours. Genomic analyses and genetic tools allow us to create new models of medulloblastoma and ependymoma so that novel targeted therapies can be developed. This multi-layered approach using laboratory-driven scientific discovery and bioinformatics allows for rapid, clinically-important changes to brain tumour therapy. Our research helps to drastically improve the quality of life of paediatric patients.

Selected publications

Anthony Michaelraj Cell Paper 2020 summary page

Donovan_et_al_Locoregional_delivery_CAR-T_cells_Nat_Med2020_FirstPage

Hiromichi Suzuki_U1_SHH_Medullo_Nature2019_FirstPage

Vladiou_El-Hamamy_Donovan_Nature 2019_FirstPage

Stephen_Mack_Ependymoma_Nature2018_FirstPage

Garzia et al., Medulloblastoma_Hematogenous_Route_CELL_Feb2018_FirstPage_Page_2

View all publications

Medulloblastoma
Ependymoma

Medulloblastoma research

Brain tumours are the most common solid malignancies seen in childhood, and the most frequent cause of oncologic death in children. Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant paediatric brain tumour. Current therapy of MB includes resection, radiation of the entire developing brain and spinal cord, and high dose cytotoxic chemotherapy, followed by autologous bone marrow transplant.

Five-year survival rates in population based studies approximate 60-70%. However, the majority of survivors are left with considerable disabilities including severely diminished IQ, neurological and language deficits, endocrine deficiencies, and the occurrence of secondary (radiation induced) cancers. Meeting one of our medulloblastoma survivors is quite sobering, and certainly conveys the urgency of our research to improve quality of life for our patients.

Learn more about our medulloblastoma research

Ependymoma research

Ependymoma in infants is the third most common childhood brain tumour. Currently doctors treat children with ependymoma using surgery and radiation, but not chemotherapy as it has not been shown to extend survival despite numerous previous clinical trials. The specific ependymoma that we study Poster Fossa Type A (PFA) ependymoma is unique, because it is the only human cancer for which there are no genetic mutations that are found in all patients; we therefore have no targets for specific therapy using available drugs.

Changes other than genetic mutations can cause cancer, one of these is termed ‘epigenetic’ changes, these are basically post-it-notes that are placed on your DNA that tell your body to either ‘read this’ or ‘don’t read this’. Fortunately, PFA-ependymoma has extensive epigenetic post-it-notes and patients with these changes have been shown to respond to DNA demethylation drugs and EZH2 inhibitors. In fact, we have exciting evidence of activity in children treated compassionately with a demethylation drug (Vidaza), that can remove the post-it-notes.

Learn more about our ependymoma research

Medulloblastoma: Medulloblastoma research
Brain tumours are the most common solid malignancies seen in childhood, and the most frequent cause of oncologic death in children. Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant paediatric brain tumour. Current therapy of MB includes resection, radiation of the entire developing brain and spinal cord, and high dose cytotoxic chemotherapy, followed by autologous bone marrow transplant.
Five-year survival rates in population based studies approximate 60-70%. However, the majority of survivors are left with considerable disabilities including severely diminished IQ, neurological and language deficits, endocrine deficiencies, and the occurrence of secondary (radiation induced) cancers. Meeting one of our medulloblastoma survivors is quite sobering, and certainly conveys the urgency of our research to improve quality of life for our patients.
Learn more about our medulloblastoma research
Ependymoma: Ependymoma research
Ependymoma in infants is the third most common childhood brain tumour. Currently doctors treat children with ependymoma using surgery and radiation, but not chemotherapy as it has not been shown to extend survival despite numerous previous clinical trials. The specific ependymoma that we study Poster Fossa Type A (PFA) ependymoma is unique, because it is the only human cancer for which there are no genetic mutations that are found in all patients; we therefore have no targets for specific therapy using available drugs.
Changes other than genetic mutations can cause cancer, one of these is termed ‘epigenetic’ changes, these are basically post-it-notes that are placed on your DNA that tell your body to either ‘read this’ or ‘don’t read this’. Fortunately, PFA-ependymoma has extensive epigenetic post-it-notes and patients with these changes have been shown to respond to DNA demethylation drugs and EZH2 inhibitors. In fact, we have exciting evidence of activity in children treated compassionately with a demethylation drug (Vidaza), that can remove the post-it-notes.
Learn more about our ependymoma research