Despite over 40 years of research and billions of dollars in investment, progress in pediatric cancer research has not met expectations. Continuing with past strategies will likely result in further disappointment.
A new, bold approach is required—one that unites the research, nonprofit, public, and private sectors around a shared mission: to reduce the childhood cancer death rate 50% by 2030 through a collaborative approach to cure pediatric brain tumor cancer.
We propose focusing on pediatric brain tumors as the initial target to pilot this new approach. This will serve as a model for tackling other pediatric cancers in the future. Achieving success will require full engagement from the entire pediatric cancer community, with a collective commitment to three strategic imperatives and a cultural shift in how we approach research.
Imperatives:
· Create a Comprehensive Brain Tumor Database: Develop an open-access database for global researchers to accelerate discovery.
· Leverage Generative AI: Integrate artificial intelligence across the research process to enhance speed, accuracy, and innovation.
· Develop Nontoxic Treatments: Focus on therapies that utilize the body’s immune system, angiogenesis, and/or apoptosis to target cancer cells.
Cultural Change:
Realizing these strategic imperatives will require a fundamental shift in the culture of the pediatric cancer community, centered around:
· Collaboration: Pooling resources, research, data, and funding to maximize impact.
· Focus: Concentrating resources on fewer, high-impact initiatives to ensure greater progress.
The pediatric cancer community has faced decades of stagnation—marked by disappointments and a lack of visionary leadership. But with this new approach, we have an opportunity to change the course of the future. This is the approach to Fulfilling the Promise made over 40 years ago.
