Pediatric Tumor Research Lab
Innovating New Treatments for Pediatric Cancer
The Pediatric Tumor Research Lab at Nemours Children’s in Central Florida is a world-class research lab developing breakthrough treatments for children with challenging cancer diagnoses. Our research focuses on finding new ways to treat high-risk pediatric cancers while minimizing the long-term side effects of treatment.
Our team specializes in research that targets cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This precision approach could transform pediatric cancer care by eliminating many of the difficult side effects that come with current treatments, such as hearing loss, nerve damage and fertility issues.
We’ve advanced innovations in treating neuroblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), two of the most challenging pediatric cancers. Through our research, we've discovered new therapeutic approaches that have shown promising experimental results.
We believe in a "bench to bedside" approach, ensuring every discovery we make has the potential to become a real-world treatment. By focusing on translating research into clinical trials, we're working to bring new hope to families facing pediatric cancer diagnoses.
Principal Investigator
Tamarah Westmoreland MD, PhD
Principal Scientist
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RESEARCH
- Research Interests
- Notable Projects
- Outcomes & Impact
- Recognition & Partnerships
Our Areas of Focus
Oncology (Cancer) Research
Our lab explores innovative ways to treat aggressive childhood cancers. Currently we’re focusing on the discovery that Zika virus can destroy certain cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Our research has shown remarkable results, particularly in treating neuroblastoma and DIPG. Given that children and non-pregnant adults don’t usually get sick from Zika virus, this approach offers the possibility of a therapy with no side effects.
Translational Research
Translational research is unique in that we approach laboratory-based research questions with real-world applications in mind. This is best described as “bench to bedside” research where our goal is progressing into human clinical trials.
We work closely with clinical teams to get promising research findings to the patients who need them most.
Research in Context
Our labs contribute to research that informs pediatric care, working in alignment with research centers and focused areas of scientific study at Nemours.
Cancer Research
RESEARCH AREA
Investigators study childhood cancers to improve diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship through discovery science, clinical trials, and systemwide collaboration.
General (Pediatric) Surgery
CLINICAL CARE
Comprehensive surgical care for infants, children, and teens across the Nemours system, with teams based in Delaware Valley and Florida.
Nemours Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Research
DELAWARE VALLEY & FLORIDA
Our investigators advance pediatric cancer care through innovative research, multi-state clinical trials, and specialized programs in Delaware and Florida.
Neuroscience Research
RESEARCH AREA
We investigate brain development and neurological disorders to advance pediatric neuroscience through collaboration and translational science.