Elucidating the ETMR Microenvironment Using Next Generation Imaging and Multi-omics Technologies

Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) is a rare and aggressive pediatric brain tumor. The most aggressive treatments available still have a long way to go to increase effectiveness and better patient outcomes. An important aspect of the study of cancers involves identifying the type of cell of the body from which a tumor begins to grow, referred to as the cell of origin. The ETMR cell of origin is currently unknown, though researchers have some leads. The knowledge that there are many cells from which ETMR could originate is thought to contribute to the diversity in types of this tumor. Researchers on this project will generate tumor images and compare them with additional genetic data in an effort to better understand how to treat ETMR. This analysis across different imaging and data types should help researchers better understand the tumor microenvironment of ETMR, the cells that exist and develop in and around these tumors. Knowledge about the tumor microenvironment could lead to new targets for immunotherapy. Data related to ETMR is rare, but CBTN’s extensive database and flash-frozen samples will provide researchers with what they need to complete this study, contributing to the development of new ETMR treatment protocol.