Monika Yadav – Can we cure DIPG? The Science Behind Emerging Treatments for Deadly Pediatric Brain Tumors
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is among the most challenging pediatric brain tumors, with limited treatment options and a critical need for new therapies. This seminar will introduce students to the biology of DIPG and explore why this disease has remained such a formidable challenge in pediatric oncology. Attendees will learn how advances in genomics, epigenetics, neuroscience, and immunology have transformed our understanding of these tumors and opened new avenues for treatment. The presentation will highlight emerging strategies including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, CAR T-cell therapy, novel drug delivery systems, and precision medicine approaches currently being evaluated in clinical trials.
Dr. Monika Yadav is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Children’s Mercy Research Institute, where her research focuses on developing novel immunotherapy strategies for pediatric high-grade gliomas, including diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) and hemispheric gliomas. Her work integrates molecular biology, cell-based assays, and preclinical models to investigate tumor biology, identify therapeutic vulnerabilities, and advance the development of innovative treatments for children with aggressive brain tumors. Dr. Yadav is passionate about translating laboratory discoveries into therapies that improve outcomes for pediatric cancer patients while inspiring the next generation of scientists through STEM education and outreach.