Paediatric cancers remain a significant global health challenge, particularly aggressive and treatment-resistant tumours such as high-grade gliomas and rhabdoid tumours. Growing evidence suggests that many cancer cells rely on altered energy metabolism to support their growth, survival, and ability to evade the immune system.
This project investigates the metabolic pathways that drive paediatric cancers, with a focus on identifying vulnerabilities that can be targeted therapeutically. By studying how tumour cells generate and use energy, we aim to discover new treatment strategies that disrupt cancer metabolism and improve treatment outcomes.
Our research focuses on:
- Profiling the metabolic characteristics of paediatric tumour cells, including neuroblastoma, leukaemia, Ewing sarcoma, and Wilms tumour.
- Identifying and evaluating drugs that target cancer cell energy metabolism.
- Investigating combination therapies to enhance anti-cancer effects.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying promising therapeutic candidates.
Through this work, we aim to develop innovative metabolism-based treatment approaches for children with aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancers.