Over this past year, Bridge To A Cure has played a key role in accelerating life-saving discoveries for childhood brain tumors through our partnership with the Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN), a worldwide leader in pediatric data collection, sharing, and collaboration.
In fact, every dollar donated through Bridge To A Cure in 2024 strengthened the vital work conducted by our coalition, empowering hundreds of researchers with the tools and infrastructure they need to unlock cures. It further enforces the collaborative spirit that will result in better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for these deadly diseases.
Together, we’re changing how research is conducted and the speed at which discoveries are made.
We’re thrilled to share some of the biggest highlights of 2024:
Expanding Critical Data: With funding from several sources, including Bridge To A Cure, CBTN processed hundreds of new patient samples in 2024, significantly enriching the Pediatric Brain Tumor Atlas. This invaluable resource allows researchers to delve deeper into the unique biology of these tumors, paving the way for targeted and more effective treatments.
Enhancing Global Collaboration: The CAVATICA software platform, a cornerstone of this partnership’s research efforts, supported over 1,500 global research projects in 2024. Upgrades to this essential tool have improved usability and real-time data access, fostering seamless collaboration among researchers worldwide and accelerating the pace of discovery.
Advancing AI-Driven Solutions: With the resources of CBTN and supported by our coalition, we’ve made significant strides in developing AI-ready datasets and predictive models for some of the most challenging types of pediatric brain tumors, including diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) and medulloblastomas. These innovative approaches hold immense promise for deeper insights and the development of new treatment strategies.
Strengthening Pediatric Proteomic Data: CBTN maintains the largest cohort of pediatric proteomic (proteins) data for brain tumors, expanding it by 30% in 2024. This enriched dataset is crucial for advancing personalized medicine and developing treatments tailored to each child’s unique tumor characteristics.
Building A Data-Driven Research Community
In October 2017, Bridge To A Cure Founder Bob Martin met with National Cancer Institute NCI) Director Dr. Ned Sharpless to share his recommendation to build a national childhood cancer database that was easily accessible by researchers. This idea is realized in the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI), authorized by Congress just two years later and funded at $50 million annually for 10 years.
This crucial resource was made possible through harmonizing data using a unified lexicon, an endeavor funded by the Bridge To A Cure Foundation through the Pediatric Cancer Data Commons (PCDC). By uniting data from various sources, including the Kids First Data Resource Center, St. Jude Cloud, and the Treehouse Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, CCDI aims to foster a collaborative research environment where scientists can access more data, tools, and resources than ever before.
A RADIANT Approach to Cures
For years, Bridge To A Cure has called to expedite a united approach to scientific discovery through technological advancement. Now, CBTN stands at the forefront of pediatric cancer research, spearheading initiatives like the government-funded RADIANT project. In collaboration with leading technology companies, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Valsera, and Mulesoft (a SalesForce company), this ambitious initiative aims to integrate AI seamlessly into all aspects of pediatric cancer research. AI and leading-edge technologies are significant aspects of how Bridge To A Cure will achieve our mission of reducing the childhood cancer death rate by 50% by 2030. That’s why we invested $200,000 to seed this vital program. Through this investment, CBTN created patient data pipelines that seamlessly integrate from local hospital record platforms to the PBTA.
Through RADIANT, CBTN transforms how we approach diagnosis and treatment planning, providing researchers with unprecedented access to AI-ready datasets, advanced tools, and leading-edge resources. With continued support from Bridge To A Cure and others, RADIANT will set a new standard for personalized care, bringing us closer to a future where every child diagnosed with a brain tumor doesn’t just survive but thrives.
What Lies Ahead
Over the past seven years, Bridge To A Cure Foundation has transformed and united the childhood cancer community. We’ve built a powerful network of researchers, doctors, families, and advocates, all working to end childhood brain cancer.
During this time, we’ve seen significant strides in advancing scientific research and fostering an environment where innovation and hope flourish. The accomplishments of 2024 are the culmination of many years of hard work, determination, and a shared belief that we can overcome the challenges that have long hindered the progress that keeps us from ending this brutal disease. Bridge To A Cure has created real, lasting change, from breakthroughs in data-driven research and patient care to new partnerships with leading research institutions, tech companies, and the federal government. We are poised to make even more incredible strides with these achievements as the framework for new advancement.
For 2025 and beyond, Bridge To A Cure is urging foundations and philanthropists that share our vision to invest $100 million in dedicated brain tumor research funds. By mirroring the collaborative success of our research institution partners, these funds will empower scientists to bypass traditional barriers and accelerate groundbreaking therapies and prevention strategies. And, by supporting this groundbreaking research, we’re investing in a brighter future for families. Every contribution, no matter the size, translates into tangible progress. Your generosity fuels real hope that we will conquer childhood brain tumors and protect the health and happiness of our children.
