Research We improve the care, quality of life, and survival rate of children with malignant diseases.

Laurence J.N. Cooper, M.D., Ph.D.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Our work at MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) in Houston Texas continues at a rapid pace as we develop or implement new immune-based therapies. With the help of funding from the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, we have generated T cells (a type of immune cell) which can be used to target a child’s underlying leukemia and lymphoma.

This work has resulted in not one, not two, but now three clinical trials! We have been able to fashion the T cells using genetic engineering so that they will express a designer receptor that renders these immune cells able to recognize tumor cells. These “designer” T cells are then returned to the patient after undergoing bone marrow transplantation (now termed “hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation”). The ability to infuse T cells with their endowed potent anti-tumor effects has the potential to dramatically improve the rates of survival as well as the quality of survivorship of children undergoing hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.

In these days of economic struggles, it is critical that funding is provided to enable our translational research to be accomplished to benefit children with cancer. With your help and support we are readying the immune system as soldiers in their war on cancer.

Thank you very much for your support.

Laurence J.N. Cooper, M.D., Ph.D.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Section Chief of Cell Therapy
Children’s Cancer Hospital, Division of Pediatrics