2020 Online Salon
Illuminating Medulloblastoma
Project Detail
- Entrant Name: Avesta Rastan
- Membership Type: Student Submission
- Other Contributors: Avesta Rastan
- Address: Toronto, Ontario Canada
- Client: University of Toronto
- Copyright: 2019 Avesta Rastan
- Medium/software used: ZBrush, Maya, After Effects, Premiere Pro
- Final presentation format: Animation
- Primary Audience: Physicians
Project Description
Medulloblastoma, a highly invasive tumour of the cerebellum, has one of the highest mortality rates of pediatric cancers. Metastatic cells are the leading cause of treatment failure and death in medulloblastoma patients. For over a century, scientists assumed that medulloblastoma metastases travel exclusively in cerebrospinal fluid; however, novel research shows that medulloblastoma can spread through the circulatory system as well. This new mechanism presents the first biological target for metastases; therefore, the dissemination of this research is critical to the development of therapies, disease management, and prognosis. An educational 3D animation can effectively disseminate this research, as well as increase awareness and interest in medulloblastoma. A story-driven narrative and emphasis on the use of visual metaphor will put the research in context by establishing why this research matters, what the future implications are, and how it is relevant to the audience.