St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Latest News

St. Jude identifies genomic causes of a certain type of leukemia relapse (news release)

Scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have identified distinctive genetic changes in the cancer cells of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that cause relapse.

Reprogrammable cell type depends on a single gene to keep its identity (news release)

St. Jude study shows the Prox1 gene is a two-way switch that, if turned off, causes lymphatic endothelial cells to be reprogrammed so that they lose their identity and become more like blood endothelial cells.

New insight into the controls on a go-to enzyme (news release)

Scientists at St. Jude have gained new insights into regulation of one of the body’s enzyme workhorses called calpains. As the cell’s molecular overachievers, calpains function in many cellular processes, including the movement of cells in tissues, the death of damaged cells, insulin secretion, and brain cell and muscle function.

Parasites that live inside cells use loophole to thwart immune system

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have discovered a mechanism by which intracellular pathogens can shut down one of the body’s key chemical weapons against them: nitric oxide.

Parasites that live inside cells use loophole to thwart immune system

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have discovered a mechanism by which intracellular pathogens can shut down one of the body’s key chemical weapons against them: nitric oxide.

Drug combination for non-Hodgkin lymphoma produces fewer side effects

A new combination of anti-cancer drugs, when integrated into an existing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, causes reduced risk for side effects in children than the conventional regimen.

Treatment with new drug might make tumor cells more sensitive to therapy

Scientists at St. Jude have shown that it might be possible to make tumor cells more sensitive to irradiation and some types of chemotherapy by treating them with a drug that cripples their ability to repair DNA damage caused by these therapies.

Drug shows a new effect that can control a childhood cancer

The drug bevacizumab is widely used to inhibit blood vessel growth in tumors, starving them of oxygen and nutrients. St. Jude researchers have found that the drug also shows promise for attacking neuroblastoma cells themselves.

Clues from nature inspire new anti-cancer drugs

St. Jude researchers have designed an efficient route to synthesizing a new type of anti-cancer drug, based on a chemical that bacteria use as a weapon against organisms they infect. The initial versions of the new drugs show significant activity against a range of cancer cells.

St. Jude, Procter and Gamble invite Target customers to help fight childhood cancer

From October 19 – 25, consumers can help St. Jude in its fight to find cures and save children simply by purchasing participating Procter and Gamble (P&G) brands including Tide, Bounty, Charmin and Cover Girl as well as other manufacturers’ brands at Target stores nationwide.

Nobel Laureate Peter Doherty, PhD, elected to Institute of Medicine

Peter Doherty, PhD, of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, has been elected to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), a prestigious branch of the National Academy of Sciences.

Chili’s Create-A-Pepper marks a successful 2008 campaign

Chili’s Grill & Bar® has announced it has raised more than $6 million dollars during the fifth annual, award-winning Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer campaign for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier pediatric cancer research centers. To date, Chili’s has raised more than $25 million as part of a 10-year, $50 million pledge to raise funds for the hospital.

Chili's to donate all profits from September 29 to St. Jude

You can make a meal count on September 29 by dining at your local Chili's Grill & Bar. On that day, Chili's will donate 100 percent of profits to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

St. Jude study gives new insights into how cells accessorize their proteins (news release)

Researchers have determined how an enzyme that stitches all-important molecular adjustments onto proteins contorts itself to regulate its own function.

St. Jude study finds treatment with new drug might make tumor cells more sensitive to therapy (news release)

Study shows treatment with a newly discovered drug could be useful in sensitizing tumor cells to therapeutic irradiation and potentially some chemotherapies.

Study shows how pneumonia bacteria use stolen genetic material

In a new study, St. Jude researchers have gained insight into how pneumococcus, the primary cause of pneumonia, uses a particular piece of stolen genetic material to render it more virulent.

Researchers identify mechanism underlying genetic forebrain malformation

St. Jude scientists have identified one of the molecular mechanisms underlying the genetic brain malformation called holoprosencephaly (HPE). The findings not only yield insights into the most common developmental malformation of the anterior brain and face in newborns, but also help in understanding the intricate process by which the brain forms in the developing fetus.

Protective “suicide protein” found to be thwarted in lymphoma

St. Jude investigators have found that a protein called Puma, which normally protects the body by triggering cancer cells to commit suicide through a process called apoptosis, is suppressed in Burkitt lymphoma.

New clue to machinery of autoimmune disease

St. Jude researchers have discovered an intriguing insight into how T cells, the immune system’s master regulatory cells, wage war on the body’s own tissues in such autoimmune disorders as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

New insight into most common forebrain malformation (news release)

Small investment could boost pediatric cancer survivorship in poorer nations

A small hike in funding for pediatric cancer care could significantly boost survival rates in low- and middle-income nations, according to an international team lead by St. Jude.

Variety and Target announce the 2008 Target Presents Variety's Power of Youth to benefit St. Jude

Target Presents Variety's Power of Youth was announced earlier this week by Power of Youth Ambassadors Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas, Miranda Cosgrove and Angus T. Jones at a special gathering at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, the exclusive beneficiary of the event.

Breeders’ Cup names St. Jude a beneficiary

The Breeders’ Cup, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end championships, has selected St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as one of two non-profit global beneficiaries for the 25th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The event, which consists of 14 races and $25.5 million in purses, will be held October 24 – 25, 2008, at Santa Anita Park located in Arcadia, California.

Vigilant care saves children with early leukemia complications

The supportive care of children suffering from early complications of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has greatly reduced their death rate, according to a new St. Jude study.

St. Jude study shows how T cell’s machinery dials down autoimmunity

A St. Jude study shows that T cells, the body’s master immune regulators, do not use simple on/off switches to govern the cellular machinery that regulates their development and function.

Drug combination offers promise in treating resistant bone cancer

A new combination of two anti-cancer drugs offers promise in treating recurrent and treatment-resistant bone cancer in children.

Young age may offer survival advantage to children with DPG

St. Jude investigators have shown that children under 3 years old who have a brain tumor called diffuse pontine glioma (DPG) appear to have a better outcome than older children with the same cancer.

New function for old enzyme in fatal disease

The lack of a single protein usually thought of as a run-of-the-mill enzyme that helps to recycle molecules in cells causes an incurable and often fatal disease of children. Children with this disease, called sialidosis, suffer from enlarged spleens and often develop vision problems, loss of coordination and seizures, among other symptoms. The patients generally die within the first few years of life.

St. Jude study reveals a new function for an old enzyme in fatal childhood disease (news release)

A ubiquitous housekeeping enzyme has been found to play a major role in keeping the bone marrow environment healthy so it can nurture hematopoietic stem cells.

(clone of)St. Jude study reveals a new function for an old enzyme in fatal childhood disease (news release)

A ubiquitous housekeeping enzyme has been found to play a major role in keeping the bone marrow environment healthy so it can nurture hematopoietic stem cells.

St. Jude study reveals a new function for an old enzyme in fatal childhood disease (news release)

A ubiquitous housekeeping enzyme has been found to play a major role in keeping the bone marrow environment healthy so it can nurture hematopoietic stem cells.

(clone of)St. Jude study reveals a new function for an old enzyme in fatal childhood disease (news release)

A ubiquitous housekeeping enzyme has been found to play a major role in keeping the bone marrow environment healthy so it can nurture hematopoietic stem cells.

Golfers roll into Memphis for Stanford St. Jude Championship

It’s tee time in Memphis again as the city’s premier golfing event, the Stanford St. Jude Championship, kicks off June 2-8. The tournament, now in its 51st year, returns to TPC Southwind for a week that promises to be entertaining and uplifting for golfers and visitors alike. Most importantly, the event will help support the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

St. Jude finds young age may give survival advantage to children with certain brain tumors (news release)

The improved survival of children under 3 years old with diffuse pontine glioma compared to older children suggests that the biological properties of this cancer may be distinct in young patients.

St. Jude finds young age may give survival advantage to children with certain brain tumors (news release)

The improved survival of children under 3 years old with diffuse pontine glioma compared to older children suggests that the biological properties of this cancer may be distinct in young patients.

St. Jude study shows how T cell’s machinery dials down autoimmunity (news release)

Immune cells adjust their function like a radio dial, not an on/off light switch; a discovery that hints at how autoimmune disease may develop late in life.

St. Jude study shows how T cell’s machinery dials down autoimmunity (news release)

Immune cells adjust their function like a radio dial, not an on/off light switch; a discovery that hints at how autoimmune disease may develop late in life.

St. Jude receives NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital recently received the prestigious recognition of being designated as a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center. The designation makes St. Jude the first and only cancer center solely focused on pediatric cancer to receive this distinction.

St. Jude receives NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation

St. Jude finds “dancing” hair cells are key to humans’ acute hearing (news release)

A new study shows how sounds are amplified in the inner ear, a finding that could explain how hearing loss can result from genetic mutation or overdose of drugs.

St. Jude finds “dancing” hair cells are key to humans’ acute hearing (news release)

A new study shows how sounds are amplified in the inner ear, a finding that could explain how hearing loss can result from genetic mutation or overdose of drugs.

Risk factors found for RSV infection in immunocompromised children

St. Jude investigators and collaborators have shown how to predict if a child who is infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) while being treated for cancer or another catastrophic disease is at high risk for developing severe infection.

Childhood leukemia: tackling the challenge of CNS relapse

Clinicians have achieved a gratifyingly high success rate in treating childhood leukemias — a major challenge is to improve treatment of central nervous system (CNS) leukemia.

St. Jude researchers find key step in programmed cell death

St. Jude investigators have discovered a dance of proteins that protects certain cells from undergoing apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death.

Study offers new hope for children with bilateral Wilms tumor

Children with bilateral Wilms tumor can retain normal function in both kidneys by undergoing a procedure called bilateral nephron-sparing surgery, even when preoperative scans suggest that the tumors are inoperable.

St. Jude discovery offers new avenues to understanding an aggressive form of leukemia (news release)

Finding that a combination of genetic mutations can cause an aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia could lead to new cancer-fighting therapies.

St. Jude discovery offers new avenues to understanding an aggressive form of leukemia (news release)

Finding that a combination of genetic mutations can cause an aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia could lead to new cancer-fighting therapies.

Defending champion Woody Austin helps Memphis kick-off countdown to 2008 Stanford St. Jude Championship

Defending champion Woody Austin was in Memphis on April 3 to help kick-off the countdown to the 2008 Stanford St. Jude Championship, taking place June 2 – 8 at TPC Southwind, and helped announce a number of top-rated player commitments, all-new ticket packages for 2008, and important charitable initiatives to benefit St. Jude.

Defending champ Woody Austin helps kick off countdown to the 2008 Stanford St. Jude Championship

St. Jude study offers new hope for children with kidney tumors deemed inoperable (news release)

Physicians at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have demonstrated that children with bilateral Wilms tumor, a cancer of the kidneys, can retain normal function in both kidneys by undergoing a procedure called bilateral nephron-sparing surgery, even when preoperative scans suggest that the tumors are inoperable.

St. Jude study offers new hope for children with kidney tumors deemed inoperable (news release)

St. Jude finds signaling system that halts medulloblastoma growth

A discovery by St. Jude scientists suggests a safer way to treat medulloblastoma, a rare but often fatal childhood brain tumor. The group found that one of the brain’s signaling pathways inhibits the growth of the highly aggressive cancer cells.

Molecular science could further improve leukemia survival, say St. Jude researchers (news release)

The dramatic increase that has occurred in the cure rate for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) will be difficult to replicate in older patients without considerable additional research.

Molecular science could further improve leukemia survival, say St. Jude researchers (news release)

Putting the brakes on the immune system

Scientists at St. Jude have discovered an important signaling molecule that puts the brakes on a rogue immune response. The discovery could have applications for a host of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease and asthma. The finding could also have exciting ramifications for fighting cancer.

St. Jude finds signaling system that halts the growth of a childhood brain cancer (news release)

Researchers discover that proteins BMP2, BMP4 and BMP7 inhibit the growth of medulloblastoma tumors, while inducing malignant cells to develop into normal neurons, a finding that may lead to better treatments for the cancer.

St. Jude finds signaling system that halts the growth of a childhood brain cancer (news release)

Link between cellular defense processes shows how cancer cells survive

St. Jude investigators have discovered that immune system cells that engulf and destroy germs in the body enlist help for this task from a common housekeeping mechanism most cells use to keep their interiors healthy.

St. Jude researchers find key step in programmed cell death (news release)

The discovery provides insight into how certain proteins, including Hax1, work and how they control the process of apoptosis.

St. Jude researchers find key step in programmed cell death (news release)

The discovery provides insight into how certain proteins, including Hax1, work and how they control the process of apoptosis.

Support the Lady of America Fitness Centers Ab Crunch Challenge

Put some heart in your New Year’s fitness resolution by joining the national Ab Crunch Challenge, a fitness challenge that will benefit your waistline and is expected to raise $1 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Tennis world centers on Memphis, St. Jude this week

Memphis, Tennessee, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital become the center of the tennis world this week as some of the world’s best and brightest tennis stars compete in the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and the Cellular South Cup benefiting St. Jude. Tommy Haas, Andy Roddick, Venus Williams and Lindsey Davenport head up the list of players competing in this year's tournament, which takes place February 22 – March 2.

Webby takes reins of World Health Organization lab at St. Jude

Richard Webby, PhD, an associate member in Infectious Diseases, has been named director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza Viruses in Lower Animals and Birds.

St. Jude “twins” with Santiago to transfer osteosarcoma trial treatment

When St. Jude shares clinical trials internationally, there is much more involved than just sending a set of directions to clinicians in another nation.

St. Jude researchers identify key genetic trigger of AML

A gene called N-Myc leads a double life in certain white blood cells when it is overexpressed, helping to trigger a cancer called acute myeloid leukemia (AML) under some conditions while triggering apoptosis, or cell suicide, under other conditions, according to results of a study done by St. Jude investigators.

St. Jude finds mechanism for faulty protein disposal

A discovery by St. Jude scientists offers new insights into how myeloma cells dispose of defective or excess proteins. This finding could lead to new cancer treatments.

NIXing the cell’s polluting power plants

People investing their time and effort into “green” technology to replace old power plants that spew pollution into the environment might be envious of the humble human cell.

St. Jude finds risk factors for severe RSV infection in immunocompromised children (news release)

Children receiving treatment for cancer who are under2 years and those with very low levels of immune system cells called lymphocytes are at higher risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus related disease.

St. Jude finds risk factors for severe RSV infection in immunocompromised children (news release)

Promesa y Esperanza radiothon brings St. Jude patients promise and hope

The annual Promesa y Esperanza radiothon will hit the airwaves On February 7 – 8, asking Hispanic radio listeners to help bring promise and hope to St. Jude patients. Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio broadcaster in the United States, is broadcasting the national radiothon through its local stations in Albuquerque, Dallas, El Paso, Fresno, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, McAllen, Miami, New York, Puerto Rico, San Antonio, San Diego and San Francisco.

Challenge yourself and support St. Jude at the Nautica South Beach Triathlon

Swim, bike and run around beautiful Miami, Florida, on April 13, 2008, and you could turn the ultimate endurance test into support for the patients of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Register today as a charity athlete in the inaugural Nautica South Beach Triathlon.

Country Cares for St. Jude Kids kicks off

Randy Owen, lead singer of the GRAMMY^® Award-winning group ALABAMA and singer/songwriter Jewel headlined a list of country artists visiting St. Jude during the 19th annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids seminar on January 18 – 20. More than 850 radio representatives joined the artists in touring the hospital and learning how St. Jude is leading the fight against childhood cancer.

Country Cares for St. Jude Kids to be honored with award

Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, one of the most successful radio fundraising events in America, will be honored for its public service efforts at the 10th annual National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation's Celebration of Service to America Awards.

Super Bowl Weekend dinner will benefit St. Jude

CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz will be honored at the Legends for Charity® benefit dinner for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during Super Bowl Weekend. Nantz will be the recipient of the Pat Summerall Award during the ceremony, which will take place on January 31, at NFL Headquarters Hotel, Hyatt Regency – Phoenix, as part of the lead up to Super Bowl XLII.

St. Jude defines eye cancer gene’s role in retinal development (news release)

Study provides the foundation for improving understanding of N-myc gene’s role in the eyes’ growth during fetal development when retinoblastoma forms.

Join golfer Vijay Singh in the Eagles for St. Jude campaign

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Stanford Financial Group kicked off the 2008 Eagles for St. Jude campaign on January 4 with the sinking of the first eagle of the 2008 PGA TOUR season. Find out how you can join Stanford and Eagles for St. Jude Ambassador Vijay Singh in supporting the hospital.

Buildings across the country join St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for fourth annual Thanks and Giving campaign

For the first time ever, five buildings in five cities across the country will illuminate in bright green to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s ongoing search for cures for cancer and other catastrophic diseases as the hospital kicks off its annual Thanks and Giving campaign.

Stanford St. Jude Championship presents$1.76 million donation to St. Jude

Stanford Financial Group Chairman and CEO Sir Allen Stanford and World Golf Hall of Fame member Vijay Singh joined Tony Thomas from St. Jude and Laurie Tucker, Senior Vice President of Corporate Marketing with FedEx, to present a check for $1.76 million from the inaugural Stanford St. Jude Championship.

St. Jude celebrates next frontier of finding cures with grand opening of Chili’s Care Center

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and Chili’s Grill & Bar® celebrated the national grand opening of the Chili’s Care Center during a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting today.

Multi-talented entertainer Chris Brown goes ‘back to school,’ taking on a starring role in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon® video

One of America’s best-known, multi-talented entertainers, Chris Brown, has taken on a starring role as video host for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Math-A-Thon® program, now in it’s 29th year.

Actress, singer, songwriter Miley Cyrus, also known as Hannah Montana, ‘adds’ St. Jude Math-A-Thon® video host to her talents

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is thrilled that Miley Cyrus, star of hit Disney Channel television series Hannah Montana takes on an inspiring role as video host for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Math-A-Thon program.

Radio stations visit St. Jude for first Radio Cares Seminar

More than 135 radio industry leaders and top business executives from across the country recently met in Memphis, Tennessee, to learn how to start their own radiothons during the inaugural St. Jude Radio Cares Seminar.

Dog lovers and St. Jude supporters gear up for a 'dog-gone' good time

Dog fans from around the country are heading to Memphis, Tennessee, for the premier canine affair -- the 12th annual St. Jude Showcase of Dogs.

'Create-A-Pepper' campaign comes home to one employee of Chili's Grill & Bar

When Chili's Grill & Bar employee John Griffin learned his daughter had retinoblastoma, his support for St. Jude took on new meaning. This September, when you dine at Chili's, you can show your support as you "Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer."

Chili's Grill & Bar donating all profits from this Monday to St. Jude

On September 24, Chili’s Grill & Bar offers an easy way for you to join the fight against childhood cancer: dining out. Participating Chili’s restaurants nationwide will donate 100 percent of its profits from this Monday to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Halloween pinups for St. Jude

Show your support for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital this October by purchasing $1 pinups at your local convenience stores, grocery stores and other retail establishments.

Up 'til Dawn celebrates top school

As students at California State University, Chico -- or Chico State as it is known -- return to campus this fall, they are not only preparing for a new year of learning, but also to defend their 2006-2007 National Championship.

Images from the 50th anniversary convention

Remarks of St. Jude National Outreach Director Marlo Thomas

Remarks of St. Jude National Outreach Director Marlo Thomas during the 50th anniversary ALSAC convention.

Volunteers honored during 50th anniversary convention

At the 50th anniversary ALSAC convention, ALSAC/St. Jude thanked and recognized a number of groups, corporate partners and volunteers who have played a vital role in the life-saving mission of St. Jude.

Remarks of ALSAC CEO John P. Moses

Remarks of ALSAC CEO John P. Moses during the 50th anniversary ALSAC celebratio gala.

Fifty years of saving lives

More than 1,000 donors, partners, Board members and staff joined together June 22-23 in Memphis, Tennessee, to honor the 50th anniversary of ALSAC, the fundraising organization founded in 1957 for the sole purpose of supporting St. Jude.

Patients through the decades

Franz and Kathy Hoerdemann

Franz Hoerdemann was 4 years old when doctors discovered he had acute lymphoblastic leukemia in October 1976. A month later, 6-year old Kathy Simerson also learned the same disease threatened her life.

ALSAC celebrates 50 years of supporting St. Jude

This week, ALSAC, the fundraising organization for St. Jude, celebrates 50 years of finding cures and saving children. Founded in 1957, ALSAC has continuously raised funds in pursuit of Danny Thomas' dream that "no child should die in the dawn of life."

Sopranos cast joins St. Jude in fight against cancer

On June 14, 2007, Tony Sirico (Paulie Walnuts) and the cast of the hit HBO series The Sopranos were joined by more than 500 people for a special evening at Pier Sixty in New York City in support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Gabriela Salinas

When Gabriela's family learned that their daughter had a tumor called Ewing sarcoma, they traveled to New York seeking treatment. They were told the hospital couldn't do anything without a $250,000 deposit. But St. Jude was there for them.

Dwight Tosh - Expressions of Survival

In the spring of 1962, time was running out for Dwight Tosh, a 13-year-old boy with Hodgkin disease. The prognosis was so bleak that doctors in Arkansas had given up on his chance for survival.

Latin stars join Daisy Fuentes in fighting childhood cancer

On May 19, Supermodel Daisy Fuentes and a number of Latin stars celebrated the work of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during the fifth annual FedEx/St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala in Miami, Florida.

Medicine & Science News

Player list grows for Stanford St. Jude Championship

Golfers Adam Scott, Stuart Appleby and Sean O'Hair recently annouced their commitment to the Stanford St. Jude Championship.

Summer brings St. Jude Dream Home Giveaways

When a family learns their child has cancer, the once-bright future quickly dims. You can help restore their dreams, and possibly even fulfill some dreams of your own this summer with the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway.

St. Jude patient, mother to appear on NBC's 'Today'

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital patient Brooklyn Graves-Bingle and her mother, Danie, will share their story of survival and love with viewers of the Today show on May 11, as part of a special Mother's Day tribute.

Gift planning donors make St. Jude part of their personal legacy

More than 200 donors attended the Danny Thomas -- St. Jude Society luncheon recognizing contributors who have included St. Jude in their estate planning.

Aces and a prayer card inspire giving at Bo Jackson golf event

The unexpected appearance of a prayer card thought lost years before inspired Bob Bare to make an amazing donation to St. Jude during a local golf tournament.

Fundraising and Donor News