Distinguished Scientist Award Recipients
Richard J. Gilbertson, M.D., Ph.D.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis
2003 Distinguished Scientist Award
Education:
University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, B. M.S., 1991, Pediatric Brain Tumors
University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, MB.BS, 1992, Medicine
University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Ph.D. 1998, Pediatric Neuro-Oncology
Royal Victoria Infirmary and Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, 1992-1993, House Officer, Medicine and Surgery
Royal Victoria Infirmary and General Hospital, Newcastle, 1993-1995, Senior House Officer, Pediatrics
Medical School Cancer Research, 1995-1998, Clinical Training Fellow, Pediatric Neuro-Oncology
-- Dr. Richard Gilbertson
About Dr. Gilbertson's Research:
Identification and therapeutic targeting of the ependymoma tumor stem cell
Although ependymomas are the third most common brain tumor of childhood, virtually nothing is known about the biology of the disease. Indeed, less than 2% of the 2,300 brain tumor research studies published in the last year involved ependymoma. Consequently, treatment options for this disease are limited and the majority of children who develop ependymoma will die. Recently, certain cancers were shown to arise from corrupted human stem cells. These observations have revolutionized the field of cancer biology, since new treatments designed to attack these cells would devastate tumor growth. In this proposal, we will identify and characterize the ependymoma tumor stem cell. To do this we will use state-of-the-art technology to divide human ependymomas into groups of cells that do or do not express human stem cell markers. We will then measure the stem cell activity of these different cell groups by assessing their ability to form tumors in the brains of mice, proliferate indefinitely and give rise to mixed populations of tumor cells. ERBB2 and ERBB4 oncogenes are highly expressed in ependymoma and drugs that target these proteins are already in clinical use. Therefore we will study the function of these genes in ependymoma stem cells and test the ability of anti-ERBB2 drugs to stop ependymoma stem cells from forming tumors. Finally, we will use microarray gene chip technology to identify completely new genes that are important for ependymoma stem cell growth and survival and may therefore act as drug targets. These studies will dramatically increase knowledge of this important childhood tumor and identify new treatments for clinical trial.
Accolades:
"It was clear from the quality of [his] work that Dr. Gilbertson had the potential to make seminal contributions to the field of pediatric brain tumors... Along with his exceptional personal character and integrity... I have always been impressed with his clarity of thought and his ability to initiate, plan, coordinate and efficiently complete research projects. I firmly believe that Dr. Gilbertson's research program will have a profound effect on the way we treat children with these terrible diseases."
-- Amar Gajjar, M.D.
St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis
"Dr. Gilbertson demonstrated consistent dedication, care and concern regarding his work. His approach to clinical questions and his ability to bring to bear high quality scientific analysis to answer these was extremely impressive. Dr. Gilbertson is also a skilled physician who is highly respected by clinical colleagues. His compassionate approach to children with cancer and their families was also very notable."
-- Dr. ADJ Pearson
Sir James Spence Institute
Royal Victoria Infirmary, UK
