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.

Exploring the Power of Non-Toxic Treatments

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the tens of thousands of children and families immersed in the devastating reality of this catastrophic disease. And, while traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation have increased survival chances for many forms of the disease, there are prevalent, sometimes severe, long-term health concerns that linger long after these kids grow into adulthood. Undeniably, there is a need for safer, more effective options.

Bridge To A Cure Foundation invests in developing nontoxic treatments for pediatric patients, precision medicine powered by AI discovery, and therapies that tap into the body’s systems to fight against childhood cancer.

Angiogenesis: Cutting Off Cancer’s Blood Supply

Of the many promising approaches Bridge To A Cure is funding, angiogenesis is the most exciting. Angiogenesis involves targeting the blood vessels that nourish tumors. Cancer cells are notorious for hijacking the body’s natural process of blood vessel growth to sustain themselves. By disrupting this process, researchers hope to starve tumors and prevent their spread.

Angiogenesis inhibitors are medications that block the signals that encourage blood vessel growth. These drugs can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. While still under development, early studies suggest that angiogenesis inhibitors may have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy, making them a more tolerable option for children.

Precision Medicine: Tailoring Treatment to the Individual

Precision medicine, also known as personalized medicine, is a revolutionary approach that aims to tailor treatments to the specific genetic makeup of a patient’s cancer. This approach recognizes that no two cancers are alike; therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach may not be optimal.

AI-powered discovery is playing a crucial role in advancing precision medicine. By analyzing vast amounts of genetic data, AI algorithms can identify unique genetic mutations associated with different types of cancer and what treatments have been shown to work best for a specific mutation. This information can help doctors select each patient’s most effective treatment options.

For example, if a specific genetic mutation drives a child’s cancer, researchers may be able to develop targeted therapies that specifically attack that mutation, minimizing damage to healthy cells. This personalized approach can improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects.

Immunotherapy: Unleashing the Body’s Inherent Defense

Immunotherapy is another promising avenue for treating childhood cancer. This approach leverages the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that help protect the body from infections and diseases. Unfortunately, cancer cells can sometimes evade the immune system’s detection or even manipulate it to their advantage.

Immunotherapy aims to restore the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. One type of immunotherapy involves antibodies that help activate the immune system’s T-cells, specialized cells that can destroy cancer cells. Another approach involves removing immune cells from the patient’s body, modifying them in the laboratory to make them more effective against cancer, and reintroducing them back into the patient.

While immunotherapy has shown remarkable success in treating certain adult cancers, its application in childhood cancer is still being explored. However, early studies suggest immunotherapy may induce long-lasting remissions or even cures in some children. 

A Brighter Future

The mountain of challenges posed by childhood cancer is indeed steep, but the development of nontoxic treatments offers hope for a brighter future. Angiogenesis, precision medicine powered by AI discovery, and immunotherapy promise to provide safer and more effective options for children faced with this devastating disease.

This latest investment by Bridge To A Cure exemplifies our commitment to collaboration, open science, and strategic partnership to end childhood cancer. With support from people like you, Bridge To A Cure drives significant progress in childhood cancer research by fostering a more united and efficient research community. Our goal of fulfilling the promise starts with accelerating the development of innovative therapies but won’t end until we secure a future where childhood cancer ceases to exist. Together, we are bridging the gap to deliver better treatments and cures.

Bridge To A Cure advocates leveraging technological breakthroughs to end childhood cancers and brain tumors. We invest in various research opportunities, including Artificial Intelligence, data-driven therapies, and advanced imaging. These leading-edge research areas will eventually lead to a breakthrough in treating and inevitably curing these diseases. To that end, how we deliver healthcare is on the cusp of a major transformation. New, data-driven technologies are emerging that unlock the power of multimodal research.

Imagine a doctor diagnosing a patient by looking at X-rays or blood tests and analyzing a rich tapestry of information. This tapestry could include genetic data, electronic health records, wearable sensor readings, and medical imaging from different modalities In cancer research, modalities simply refer to the different tools or approaches scientists use to fight cancer. Imagine a toolbox filled with various instruments for different tasks. Similarly, cancer research has a toolbox filled with modalities for tackling this complex disease. This is the essence of multimodal research – combining data from various sources to create a more complete picture of a patient’s health.

Healthcare professionals rely on multiple data sources to diagnose and manage patients. However, analyzing each data type in-depth requires significant expertise, making it impossible for one person to master everything. This is where AI and machine learning come in. These technologies can seamlessly integrate and analyze data from diverse sources, breaking down data silos and creating robust predictive models. When used responsibly, the insights gained from these models can empower healthcare professionals to deliver even better care.

Unlocking Hidden Connections

Machine learning excels at weaving together data from various modalities, providing a holistic view of a patient’s health. This combined data becomes a powerful tool for extracting complementary information. Think of it like putting together puzzle pieces – each piece offers a glimpse. Still, the complete picture reveals a hidden connection you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Studies have shown that multimodal data fusion models consistently outperform single-modality models, leading to increased accuracy (by as much as 27.7%) and improved performance.

Oncology: A Leader in Multimodal Research

Oncology, the cancer research and treatment field, is a prime example of how multimodal methods drive progress. Machine learning can be used to find patterns within a large volume of data and predict cell behavior with the aim of improving immunotherapies. Multimodal data can identify risk factors for non-invasive screening and preventive care. Patterns in readily available data can lead to the discovery of biomarkers, aiding in diagnosis, patient risk stratification, and clinical trial selection. Additionally, these models can identify signatures that predict patient response to treatment, allowing for more personalized treatment plans.

Beyond the Individual Patient

The power of multimodal research extends beyond individual patient care. With strict data privacy and security measures in place, this approach can accelerate medical research. Researchers can discover novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for drug development by analyzing vast amounts of multimodal data. This data can also be used for population health management, providing a comprehensive view of health trends and outcomes across entire communities. The exponential growth of research publications on multimodal oncology data over the past decade underscores the recognition of its immense potential by the scientific and medical communities.

The Future of Healthcare is Multimodal

Leveraging machine learning to analyze the vast diversity of multimodal data is poised to revolutionize healthcare. We’re excited to support these revolutionary research areas through our partner organizations. We believe investing in these research opportunities will help us achieve our goal of reducing the childhood cancer death rate by 50% by 2030. As part of the commitment Bridge To A Cure Foundation is investing in Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN).

This $200,000 grant will help CBTN make an immediate impact on pediatric brain tumor research. By leveraging AI-powered tools and fostering collaboration across leading institutions, and powerful data analysis tools, CBTN is poised to accelerate discoveries, and ultimately, save countless young lives. The future of pediatric brain tumor research is bright, and thanks to this innovative partnership, the fight against these devastating diseases is entering a new and exciting chapter.

Last month we introduced the promising research surrounding immunotherapy, one of three innovative areas of research in the childhood cancer brain tumor landscape in which Bridge To A Cure is investing. We’ve taken a look at the promise of immunotherapy, and we will explore apoptosis in the next article. This topic provides an introduction to the second research area: angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis: Starving the Tumor to End Its Terror

Angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels, has emerged as a promising therapy in the treatment of childhood brain tumors. Cancer cells, like all living tissues, require a constant flow of nutrients and oxygen to grow and multiply. They achieve this by secreting chemical signals that stimulate angiogenesis, forming new blood vessels that feed the tumor.

In childhood brain tumors, the rapid growth and high metabolic demands of the cancer cells force them to rely on angiogenesis, making it a vulnerable point that would allow for inhibiting tumor growth. The strategy to combat childhood brain tumors via angiogenesis involves the use of angiogenesis inhibitors — substances that block the growth of new blood vessels. These inhibitors work by interfering with the chemical signals that tumors use to promote blood vessel formation. By cutting off the tumor’s blood supply, angiogenesis inhibitors can effectively starve the tumor cells, inhibiting their growth and reducing their ability to spread.

Several angiogenesis inhibitors have shown promise in clinical trials for pediatric brain tumors. The use of angiogenesis inhibitors offers several potential benefits.

By specifically targeting the tumor’s blood supply, these treatments can be more selective, sparing healthy tissues and reducing the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Additionally, because angiogenesis is a mechanism shared by many types of tumors, angiogenesis inhibitors have the potential to be effective against a wide range of childhood brain tumors.

Despite the promising potential of targeting angiogenesis in childhood brain tumors, there are challenges to overcome. Tumors can develop resistance to angiogenesis inhibitors, making it necessary to develop a combination of therapies that target multiple pathways involved in tumor growth and blood vessel formation. It’s also important to consider the safety and effectiveness of these treatments in children, who are still growing and developing. This requires careful consideration and ongoing research. Angiogenesis presents a promising avenue for the treatment of childhood brain tumors, offering a targeted approach that could improve outcomes and reduce side effects for young patients.

Ongoing research and clinical trials are crucial to overcoming the challenges associated with this approach, paving the way for new, more effective therapies in the battle against childhood brain cancer. Bridge To A Cure wants to accelerate progress in this area via a research initiative that draws on the databases now available and the analytical/diagnostic capabilities of artificial intelligence. The goal is to replace the horrific standard of care in place today with an approach that is nontoxic and that cures.

5,000 Children Enrolled in the Children’s Brain Tumor Network

Pediatric brain tumors are rare yet devastating, and it is essential to collect tumor tissue to unravel their biology and explore potential therapies. With over 125 types of childhood brain tumors and new subtypes continually being discovered, collecting these tumors for research is crucial. CBTN converts these precious resources into reusable large-scale data, empowering researchers to gain a deeper understanding of these complex diseases.

“The research conducted by the Children’s Brain Tumor Network, of which Bridge To A Cure is part, will influence the development of better treatments and interventions for childhood brain tumors. By leveraging the data and insights gained, clinical trials and drug development can be tailored to individual patients, leading to more effective treatments for our most vulnerable.”- Jena Lilly, CBTN Executive Director of Research Operations and Strategic Planning

At the Bridge To A Cure Foundation, we stand at the intersection of hope and loss, driven by a deep commitment to transforming the landscape of pediatric brain tumor research. Today, we reflect on a momentous milestone achieved by our collaborators at the Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN): the enrollment of over 5,000 children as subjects to donate precious data samples. This landmark accomplishment, unprecedented in its scale, carries deep significance and underscores the urgency of the cause. It’s a revelation that may surprise some: in the pursuit of better treatments and cures, this unprecedented endeavor had not been fully realized until now.

As an organization that intimately understands the devastating impact of pediatric brain tumors, Bridge To A Cure is profoundly grateful for this milestone and the unwavering courage of the children, their families, and our entire network of scientists, researchers, and activists. Together, we forge ahead to find better treatments and cures, fueled by a shared determination and a commitment to honoring the lives of those we have lost to childhood cancer.

This milestone represents a profound partnership that goes beyond numbers. These 5,000 children and their families who have made the decision to share their clinical data and biospecimens to help find cures for other kids like them. Their legacy is our hope, and their resilience inspires us to keep pushing to unite and transform the childhood cancer research community to reduce childhood cancer deaths 50% by 2030.

The Transformative Approach to Childhood Brain Tumor Research

CBTN pairs the collected tissue with clinical data collected over the course of treatment, and, whenever possible, multiple types of molecular data, to create a robust and holistic dataset for researchers. This comprehensive approach allows for significant advancements in our understanding of childhood brain tumors. Recognizing the exponential impact of donated tissue and biospecimens, CBTN stewards the largest collection of childhood brain tumor biospecimens in the world. Moreover, they strive to make all specimens, data, and resources freely accessible to the global community of cancer researchers. This open collaboration and research-sharing model not only accelerates scientific discoveries but also significantly shortens the time required to launch new research projects.

A Call to Unity and Collaboration

At Bridge To A Cure Foundation, we believe progress accelerates through unity. As we observe this milestone, we pause to appreciate the collaborative efforts of CBTN as well as its dozens of partner institutions, hundreds of researchers, and advocates globally who have joined forces to end pediatric brain tumors. We look to the future with confidence and resolution. We envision a day when pediatric brain tumors are no longer a devastating diagnosis, but a treatable – or preventable – condition.

The knowledge gained from the research made possible because of these courageous donors, coupled with the passion and dedication of organizations like Bridge To A Cure, guide us toward that future. By fostering a culture of collaboration and sharing resources, we transform the dreams of children and families into tangible advancements. Furthermore, we commit to leveraging this milestone to bring attention, resources, and support to pediatric brain tumor research.

“We won’t stop. We will do everything in our power to find better therapies and cures through their very precious donation. We’re just not going to stop.” -Jennifer Mason, CBTN Director of Biospecimen and Clinical Research Operations

Bridge To A Cure Foundation and our allies are united in our commitment to honor the lives of the children we have lost and to create a brighter outcome for those still fighting. Together, we can bridge the gap between hope and cures.

You can help at bridgetoacure.org/donate.

Top Minds Gather To Share Progress at CBTN Scientific Summit & Networking Meeting

Bridge To A Cure Foundation Founder Bob Martin flanked by Children’s Brain Tumor Network leaders Dr. Adam Resnick and Jena Lilly

This past September, Bridge To A Cure President Bob Martin and Executive Director Wendy Payton attended the 2022 Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN) Scientific Summit & Network Meeting, where a worldwide collective of childhood brain tumor researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates gathered at the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC.

Three hundred research projects currently in process that would not be possible if not for the kind of ample data and resources provided by our partner CBTN. Through unprecedented utilization of technology, reinforcement of powerful collaborations, and a return to empathy in research, CBTN shared how their groundbreaking model is changing the trajectory of finding cures to childhood brain cancer for the better.

The Mission

Children’s Brain Tumor Network is an advocate for collaborative research with a focus on data optimization—to more effectively lead us to fulfilling our goal of cutting childhood cancer deaths 50% by 2030.

By now, it’s clear how Children’s Brain Tumor Network and Bridge To A Cure values and vision align in that, ultimately, both recognize the current model of how childhood brain cancer is being researched doesn’t work—and dedicated themselves to make a change.

Some key topics covered in the Scientific Summit that Bridge To A Cure believes break the mould and bring us closer than ever to realize our mission:

• Data Collection. The collection and storage of data samples from patients is crucial to speed up advancements as well as provide a way for children and their families to leave a legacy.
• Open Access. An ever-growing network of partnerships that align with Bridge To A Cure values through Children’s Brain Tumor Network allow for the most efficient pathway to discovery.
• Technology for Analysis. Technology and big data no longer have room to be overlooked in the medical research realm.

These three key points address some of the largest challenges that advocates for cures face in the medical research realm: trust and technology.

The delicate nature of a critical piece of discovery

“We can all learn from every child.”
-Greg Reaman, Incoming Director of the National Cancer Institute’s Childhood Cancer Data Initiative

One huge problem the brightest of researchers face every day is simply not having the data they need to make advancements in scientific discovery. Historically, patients and medical professionals weren’t aware that contributing biospecimens was possible. The collection of data has often been stored in databases that have limited access and inconsistent protocols for how the information is entered. In recent years, and through collaborative efforts with Bridge To A Cure Foundation allies, these perceptions are changing. As systems for timely collection are developed and technology for storing large amounts of data is innovated, the generous contribution from children and families to medical research is utilized in impactful ways. High levels of coordination happens to ensure samples remain viable for research. Through partnerships between foundations and institutes, and though awareness-raising initiatives, families are able to contribute to the advancement of finding cures to childhood brain cancer—and leave a legacy in their child’s name.

Breaking barriers through partnerships

At Bridge To A Cure, we recognize that the siloed, limited-access approach to research between competing institutions holds back the possibility of realizing cures for thousands of children afflicted with a horrific cancer diagnosis. Often, institutes compete because it impacts fundraising opportunities and prestige. A breakthrough that one institution discovers won’t be communicated and shared with others who might have the next key in how that discovery can be applied to therapies, or even cures, for childhood brain cancer. At the Scientific Summit, it was refreshing to see so many speakers from different institutes and research labs reaffirming exactly why we partnered our efforts with Children’s Brain Tumor Network in the first place.

“Sharing is caring,” was a theme touched on throughout the Summit.

It was an honor to connect with Children’s Brain Tumor Network leadership, Members from National Cancer Institute, various children’s hospitals, and research universities. People from all across the country came together to share findings in the current state of where childhood cancer is. This is what medical research should look like—prioritizing cures to save kid’s lives through sharing and collaboration.

Technologies’ growing presence in medical research

Ken Harris from Amazon Web Services (AWS Health) presented about technologies’ place within medical research. There is no longer room to overlook big data and modern technology in the medical research realm. The old model was one of conducting individual projects, one at a time, with little support. According to AWS, the capability of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics means mass amounts of high-quality data are readily available more than ever before. Big data in healthcare is not just advancing; adaptation is now required to keep up with research capabilities. Moving forward, training in bioinformatics will be readily available—meaning institutes and researchers will adapt to new departments that will foster further collaboration and efficiency.

After the Children’s Brain Tumor Network Scientific Summit, Bridge To A Cure is certain that our plan to focus on data collection, storage, and access, is the right one. By unifying technology, supporting an open-model scientific approach, and encouraging database adoption with our partners (and now supporting AI tools), we reaffirm our mission to reduce cancer deaths 50% by 2030.

For a list of all the speakers from the event, and to see some of the amazing sponsors of the Scientific Summit, click here.