Dr. Ted Hinchcliffe’s research featured by Department of Defense program

The cancer research conducted by Dr. Edward “Ted” Hinchcliffe focused on pediatric brain tumors is highlighted in an current “In Focus” series on the CDMRP Peer-Reviewed Cancer website. CDMRP (Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs) is part of the Department of Defense and oversees research that Congress has directed as important to the American public and the military. Dr. Hinchcliffe’s research is part of a group of projects funded to research pediatric brain tumors and brain cancer.

Dr. Hinchcliffe leads the Cellular Dynamics lab at The Hormel Institute and has researched pediatric brain tumors for over five years, focusing on high-grade gliomas. The research furthers understanding of how mutations can lead to tumors forming and progressing. Building on past research, Dr. Hinchcliffe is now exploring the specific processes of cell mutations in that lead to tumor growth.

“This work will provide the necessary foundation to develop new and meaningful treatments for pediatric gliomas,” said Dr. Hinchcliffe, who joined The Hormel Institute in 2008 coming from University of Notre Dame.

Pediatric high-grade gliomas are a type of fast-growing brain tumor found in children. With over 4,000 new tumors diagnosed each year, brain and spinal cord tumors are the second most common type of cancer in children. Gliomas make up about half of all brain and spinal cord tumors in children. While many types of pediatric tumors have good outlooks, high-grade gliomas often do not and are an important area for further research.

The research Dr. Hinchcliffe is undertaking will give other researchers and doctors the knowledge they need to work on new and better treatments for pediatric high-grade gliomas.