Gene Therapy Breakthrough for Hydrocephalus Earns National Recognition
Dr. Cameron Sadegh, pediatric neurosurgeon at UC Davis Children’s Hospital and Shriners Children’s Northern California, has received national honors for pioneering a gene therapy approach to treating hydrocephalus — a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain. Traditional treatments often involve surgically implanted shunts, but Dr. Sadegh’s work could one day eliminate that need.
Rethinking Treatment for a Common Pediatric Condition
By targeting the choroid plexus — the part of the brain responsible for producing fluid — Dr. Sadegh’s lab is testing how gene therapy can regulate pressure inside the brain after a hemorrhage. This innovative approach could lead to safer, more effective, and less invasive treatments for children born with or at risk of hydrocephalus.
National Award Highlights Lifesaving Potential
Dr. Sadegh was awarded the 2024 Hartwell Foundation Individual Biomedical Research Award, which includes $300,000 in funding over three years. The recognition marks an exciting leap forward in pediatric neurosurgery and could reshape the standard of care for infants diagnosed with this complex condition.
Hope for Families Facing Hydrocephalus
This promising research signals a future where hydrocephalus treatment doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of surgeries. With continued progress, gene therapy could offer a more permanent solution — improving outcomes and quality of life for children everywhere.
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