Dr. Michael Ferguson is a Pediatric Hematology Oncologist physician with Riley Children’s Hospital. He is also an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Director of the Pediatric Cancer Precision Genomics Program with Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Ferguson successfully treated both Samantha and Miles and saved their lives.
Melissa, Jeff, Samantha and Miles created the “The Samantha and Miles Brown Pediatric Cancer Research Fund” to provide support toward Dr. Ferguson’s work in pediatric cancer precision genomics, sarcomas. More specifically, Dr. Ferguson’s research is focused on identifying novel agents for the treatment of relapsed sarcomas (specifically rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and Ewings sarcoma) based on results of precision genomics testing utilizing deep sequencing, transcriptome, proteome, and IHC data in patients. In parallel with the clinical component of this project, laboratory-based evaluation of patient-derived cell lines, and preclinical xenograft models developed from this same population of patients will allow broader evaluation of potential therapeutic options as well as discovery of novel targets via a comprehensive ‘omic’ investigation. The Samantha and Miles Brown Pediatric Cancer Research Fund supports Dr. Ferguson’s research work and also contributes to the research work of his colleagues at Riley Children’s Hospital and Indiana University School of Medicine.
The Samantha and Miles Brown Pediatric Cancer Research Fund is now making an immediate impact. Dr. Ferguson, in collaboration with Dr. Karen Pollok and Dr. Reza Saadatzadeh used the Samantha and Miles Brown Pediatric Cancer Research Fund to develop additional treatments for patients with relapsed, refractory Wilms Tumor. Given that Samantha had Wilms tumor, it was a natural fit to use Samantha and Miles Brown Pediatric Cancer Research Fund for this groundbreaking research.
More information about Dr. Ferguson, his work at Riley Children’s Hospital, and his research can be found at the following link: