As the Washington University Neurofibromatosis (NF) Center enters its third decade of facilitating collaborations between clinicians and scientists, we celebrate the accomplishments of our members and the progress made towards personalizing our medical management of individuals living with NF. Over the past year, we have witnessed continued expansion of both our clinical and research programs, with the introduction of new initiatives, the addition of new laboratories, and the training of new patient care providers. I could not be prouder of our team and am excited to share their successes with you.
Advancing NF Clinical Care
This year, we began NF subspecialty training for two outstanding neurologists. Dr. Tina (Kiguradze) Tarnawsky is an Adult Epilepsy clinical fellow who is interested in providing care for adolescents and young adults with NF, while Dr. Keri Wallace is a pediatric neurology resident focused on neurodevelopmental and behavioral delays in children with NF1. Their addition positions us to expand our clinical care program across the lifespan. In an effort to increase our educational and consultative services for physicians worldwide, Dr. Nicole Brossier replaced Dr. Margaret Shatara in partnering with Dr. Mohamed Abdelbaki, Chief of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, to fortify our virtual international NF Tumor Board. This program currently serves over 30 institutions spanning 25 different countries. Additionally, we are enhancing our NF1 early childhood screening program in consultation with Drs. Abigail Kissel (Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics) and Natasha Marrus (Division of Child Psychiatry).
Advancing NF Research
In the laboratory, there were many exciting advances. Dr. Corina Anastasaki demonstrated that treating mice that develop optic gliomas with a drug used to stop seizures in children, could both prevent tumors from developing and improve the health of nerve cells within the retina responsible for vision. Dr. Angela Hirbe and her colleagues made refinements to their methods for serum biomarker detection of plexiform neurofibroma malignant progression, now enabling them to detect premalignant and early malignant changes noninvasively. Finally, Nicole Brossier established a connection between obesity and NF1 brain tumor formation, opening the door to future dietary interventions for optic gliomas.
Advancing Community Engagement
Maddy Scherr, our NF Center coordinator, has expanded several therapy programs for our families, including Camp NF and NF Family Day. She has also continued our strong partnerships with the St. Louis Botanical Gardens, Schnuck Markets, and the St. Louis Science Center to offer free community-based therapy events for children with NF1.
We look forward to another exciting year of change and improvement in 2025!