Recent study indicates that an immunological abnormality is responsible. CMC researchers apply the latest techniques to sort out the mechanisms the body uses to destroy insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Other studies are directed toward the thousands of diabetic children who must adapt to body degeneration and abnormal growth resulting from the disease. Much of this research seeks to educate children and their parents on dealing with a specialized diet and insulin therapy. Thousands of children, however, continue to suffer from debilitating cancers.
Cancer arises from a disorder in the regulation of cell growth.
A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for normal cell growth is likely to provide insight into the processes resulting in cancer. CMC investigators search for the factors which determine the development of specific cells and tissues in early development. One group studies the development of blood cells in newborns. Another focuses on the process which transforms normal human cells into leukemia cells. Scientists already know that a certain chain of events which anchors cells in place can also determine their behavior.