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Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors (GCT) are rare brain tumors found mostly in teenagers, and their biology is poorly understood. We are generating the largest comprehensive genetic profiles of these tumors in collaboration with multiple institutions, to help us understand how these tumors arise and what determines their biological and clinical behavior. This may lead to new therapeutic targets. We will also develop a test that requires only small amount of tumor tissue to correctly sub-classify intracranial GCTs, and initiate the first-ever cell lines of these tumors for determining the impact of these genetic abnormalities and for preclinical drug screening.

Cancer affects every part of patients and their families' lives. Self-image, thinking clearly, anxiety, depression, social isolation and fear of recurrence are all problems that teens and young adults with cancer face, while resuming normal development and being monitored for many problems caused by cancer and its treatment. This research is to create developmentally sensitive information and make it available through touch-screen technology, connecting teens and young adults with their health care team and community resources in real-time. This helps identify, communicate and maximize the benefits of clinical care while helping them reintegrate into school and work.