You may be asking yourself... "What research is currently being done regarding Neuroblastoma?" Dr. Samuel Volchenboum, a St. Baldrick’s Scholar, shares, “Despite significant advancements in the ability to deliver intensive chemotherapy and radiation, neuroblastoma remains a deadly disease.” He said progress is needed in three important areas: 1. Better methods to separate patients into risk groups at diagnosis 2. Faster and more sensitive ways to evaluate which methods work and don’t work and more targeted and specific therapies. Dr. Volchenboum is tackling these issues by using a technique called proteomics to study neuroblastoma cells. “In proteomics, one uses a machine called a mass spectrometer to identify the proteins within biological samples, such as tumor cells, blood, or other tissue. By studying the proteins unique to different types of neuroblastoma cells, I hope to develop better ways to distinguish these and treat children,” he said.