A Collaborative Vision to Cure Ependymoma

Over the last two years, the Gilbertson and Guy labs have screened >1.3 million compounds with the specific intent of identifying a brand new chemotherapy of ependymoma. Through this effort we have identified >300 small molecules with diverse structures that block the proliferation of ependymoma cells but don’t harm normal cells. We are seeking funds to continue this critical work, for an initial period of three years, with the goal of validating these new compounds as potential drugs for ependymoma. Importantly, we have shown that these agents are also active against other cancer cell types suggesting that if developed as drugs these new agents might have broad applicability to the treatment of cancer. Proposed Aims In order to leverage the investment and advances made already, we propose to continue a seamless collaboration between Dr. Gilbertson (who will be moving to serve as the Li Ka Shing Chair of Oncology and Cancer Center Director at Cambridge University, England) and Dr. Kip Guy who will remain as the Chair of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics at St. Jude. This international collaboration will benefit from the highly effective working relationship already established, as well as the unique and unprecedented resources and scientific communities present at these world leading institutions. We have set clear research goals for each year of the proposed three year project.