Dr. Vitanza serves as Seattle Children’s DIPG Research Lead, directing a translational program for children and young adults with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and diffuse midline glioma (DMG). Because of where these tumors are located in the brain or spinal cord, complete resection is not possible. Radiation and chemotherapy may improve symptoms and extend life, but the average survival remains approximately 11 months.
The DIPG Research Program at Seattle Children’s focuses on DIPG, DMG and other life-threatening central nervous system (CNS) tumors through:
- Comprehensive and coordinated clinical care designed to address each child’s needs and circumstances
- Innovative laboratory studies that help us better understand these tumors, predict their behavior and treat them more effectively
- Clinical trials of new therapies, including CAR T-cell immunotherapy
Find out more information about the DIPG Research Program.