One of the challenges in selecting the next chemotherapy for brain tumors arising in children with NF1 is identifying treatments that outperform our current therapies. With the availability of robust preclinical mouse models of NF1-optic glioma, it now becomes possible to prioritize drugs for clinical translation using direct head-to-head comparisons. Using this strategy, post-baccalaureate fellow, […]
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are a rare but aggressive type of cancer with limited treatment options and a poor outlook for patients. In about half of these tumors, a gene called MTAP is missing. This loss is often linked to the removal of another important gene that normally helps stop tumors from growing. […]
With the support of NF Midwest, the Adult NF Clinical Team was able to put together special gift bags for all of our NF patients. The response was truly heartwarming! Patients were so pleased, grateful, and touched to be celebrated and seen. Many shared how much it meant to have their journey acknowledged in such […]
It has been another exciting year for the Washington University Neurofibromatosis (NF) Center, one full of advancement and forward progress. As Center Director, I enjoy highlighting these successes each year, which reflect the individual energies, passion, and commitment of our ever-expanding team. I am so fortunate to work with such an amazing group of individuals […]
NF Forward presents the Head and Heart Award to recognize an individual making significant contributions through either cutting-edge research or empathetic care. The honoree is someone who has shown exemplary dedication to supporting those facing NF every day while embodying the determination and fortitude necessary to drive us toward a world without NF. Dr. David […]
One of the areas in great need of further clinical and laboratory research centers around cognitive and behavior in children with NF1. Co-organized by Dr. David Gutmann, the first Cognition and Behavior in NF1 (CABIN) meeting was held at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Banbury Center in October 2024. The proceedings of this meeting were […]
In 2022, Dr. David Gutmann, MD, PhD and Maddy Schmitt, MS, OTR/L identified a gap in the healthcare system for teenagers and young adults with NF1. They observed that once this population turns 18 and enters the adult outpatient services for their NF care, they often did not feel fully prepared for the responsibility of […]
Pediatric pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is one of the common types of brain tumor in children. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have recently used advanced stem cell techniques to determine how the genetic alterations that cause PA control tumor growth. Their findings, published in Genes & Development, shed light on molecular […]
The Outstanding Investigator Award (R35) provides stable support and creative flexibility for an investigator’s research program. With eight years of continuous funding, this mechanism allows researchers to explore high-risk innovative ideas. Dr. David H. Gutmann, Director of the Neurofibromatosis Center at Washington University was initially awarded an eight-year R35 grant in 2016 from the National […]
Dr. Tarnawsky is an Assistant Professor of Neurology. She completed her neurology residency and epilepsy fellowship training at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis prior to joining the General Neurology Section. Dr. Tarnawsky’s clinical interests include providing comprehensive care to patients with Neurofibromatosis and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her research focuses on optimizing care of […]
Established in 2021 by Drs. Margaret Shatara and Mohamed Abdelbaki in the Division of Neuro-Oncology at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, the Virtual International Tumor Board began as a partnership between Washington University and nine institutions worldwide. Eventually expanding to 39 institutions across 25 countries, monthly virtual meetings facilitated multi-disciplinary case reviews offering diagnostic and management […]
Dr. Aditi Gupta and her team in the Institute for Informatics, Data Science, and Biostatistics (I2DB) at Washington University has pioneered the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to develop preliminary models for assessing the risk of optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) in children with NF1. Accurate prediction models would enable more personalized […]
Megan Ouyang, a rising junior premed student at Washington University, was recently awarded an Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) POST fellowship to continue her exciting research in the laboratory of Dr. David Gutmann. Working with Dr. Jit Chatterjee, a Senior Scientist in Neurology, Megan has been examining the role of the intestinal microbiota on pediatric […]
Dr. David H. Gutmann, the Donald O. Schnuck Professor and Washington University NF Center director, was recently appointed to the position of Associate Editor for the flagship journal of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. In this newly created position, he will oversee the submission of manuscripts in the burgeoning area of Cancer Neuroscience. Cancer Neuroscience is […]
Pediatric pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is a common type of low-grade brain tumor in children, influenced by specific genetic changes. Led by David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD, the Donald O. Schnuck Family Professor of Neurology, researchers at WashU Medicine have conducted a study, published in Genes & Development, using advanced stem cell techniques to investigate the genetic […]
Drs. Corina Anastasaki and David Gutmann were recently awarded a 2-year pilot grant from the Lindonlight Collective. The Lindonlight Collective was founded to enable disruptive science worldwide to advance therapeutics for pediatric glioma patients. The Washington University team propose to define the role of immune system-like cells called tumor-associated monocytes (TAMs) in pediatric low-grade glioma […]
Division of Physician-Scientists Supporting Career Development of Physician-Scientistsresources, mentorship, and programs to encourage research pursuits at all career stages April 2025 Newsletter Spotlight Angela Hirbe, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Professor of Medicine and PediatricsDirector, Adult Neuro5bromatosis Clinical ProgramDivision of Oncology, Sarcoma Section What drew you to your field? I became interested in oncology at a young […]
Based on groundbreaking work by Dr. Corina Anastasaki demonstrating that an anti-seizure medication, called lamotrigine, blocks neurofibroma and optic glioma growth in Nf1 mouse models, a patent was awarded to Washington University. This new patent application, entitled “methods of treating cancer using neuronal activity inhibiting agents” (18/069,317) provides a paradigm shift in the management of […]
Children with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are at increased risk of developing brain tumors. Prior work in the laboratory of NF Center director, David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD, demonstrated that these childhood brain tumors, called gliomas, are infiltrated by immune system cells, including T cells. While these immune cells are important for tumor growth, it […]
Gorkem Oztosun, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Hirbe Laboratory, was awarded a grant through NF Network to study how the extra copy of Chromosome 8 in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST) affects biology of the tumor cells and response to certain therapies. Stacey Chamberlain, RN, BSN and Sanita Burgic, MSN, APRN, AGNP-C were […]