February 15th marks International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness and promote a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children and adolescents with cancer, survivors, and their families. For 2026, the campaign carries one unified message – better access to care for children and adolescents with cancer everywhere!
At Mac4Me, we contribute to this goal by researching Neuroblastoma, a common pediatric tumor. Our researchers focus on how macrophages (immune cells) influence cancer survival and invasion, developing new models to improve therapeutic outcomes:
Pierluca Cancellieri at RCSI is using 3D printing technology to create “miniature” laboratory models of the brain’s immune cells (microglia). He is studying how these cells “age” when they encounter cancer and is testing new drugs to stop the immune system from helping the tumor survive.
Chunyu Yan, also at RCSI, uses “Organ-on-Chip” (OoC) technology—tiny devices that mimic human organs—to watch how immune cells and their surroundings react the very moment neuroblastoma starts to spread to the brain and liver.
Brett Vega, at React4Life, is building a specialized “multi-room” chip that simulates how neuroblastoma cells travel through the bloodstream. By mimicking the natural flow of blood, he can test how new treatments help immune cells stop the cancer from “landing” and growing in new parts of the body.
By gaining a deeper understanding of these biological processes, Mac4Me works toward our ultimate goal: improving treatment options and ensuring better, more equitable care for every child and adolescent facing cancer.
