#United States #Salt Lake City #Children's Brain Tumor Network #Intermountain #Pediatric Research

Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital Joins CBTN

Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital has taken a significant step in pediatric healthcare by becoming a new member of the Children's Brain Tumor Network (CBTN). This partnership aligns the expertise of the hospital's renowned specialists with a larger collective effort dedicated to advancing research and treatment for children diagnosed with brain and central nervous system tumors.

Dr. Samuel Cheshier, a pediatric neurosurgeon at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital, expressed enthusiasm for joining CBTN. He stated, “Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital is excited to work collaboratively within the Children's Brain Tumor Network to improve outcomes for children and young adults affected by brain tumors.”

Collaborative Effort in Pediatric Oncology

Joining CBTN allows Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital to contribute significantly to ongoing research aimed at enhancing treatments for childhood brain tumors. Dr. Nicholas Whipple, a pediatric neuro-oncologist, remarked on the important role of collaboration within CBTN: “We are grateful to unite with other member institutions, focusing on improving care standards for children and their families, particularly in the Intermountain West region.”

As part of its commitment, Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital will provide consented samples of childhood tissue, which are essential for deepening the understanding of brain tumor biology. In a crucial step to protect young patients' privacy, these samples will be deidentified before they are genetically sequenced. This meticulous process transforms donated tissue into valuable data that researchers across the globe can utilize, marking a pivotal effort towards more effective treatments in pediatric oncology.

Importance of Shared Resources

Gathering sufficient samples is a challenging endeavor for any single institution; however, through the CBTN’s platform, hospitals can pool resources and knowledge represented by a wide range of participating institutions. Moreover, collaboration through networks like CBTN is critical as it aids in strengthening research viability and the pursuit of improved therapeutic strategies.

Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital stands out as a hub of pediatric care, caring for over 100 children diagnosed with brain and central nervous system tumors each year. The institution is also considerable in its research potential, boasting over 1,000 active studies, among which are roughly 250 clinical trials aimed at investigating new treatment methods and enhancing existing care protocols.

A Commitment to Better Futures

In acknowledgment of Intermountain’s entry to CBTN, Dr. Sabine Mueller, Co-Executive Chair of CBTN, welcomed the hospital, highlighting how its strength in clinical trial management and interdisciplinary research would fortify the initiative's mission. “We extend a warm welcome to Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital. Their expertise will significantly contribute to our mission of creating better futures for children affected by brain tumors,” Dr. Mueller said.

The Children's Brain Tumor Network is a coalition dedicated to speeding up treatment developments for children afflicted by brain tumors. Presently, the CBTN involves 34 institutions globally and has enrolled over 7,700 participants while accumulating more than 78,000 biospecimen samples. This impressive database is vital for researchers as it allows for real-time collaboration, ensuring that pediatric patients have access to the most advanced care possible.

Conclusion

The partnership with the Children's Brain Tumor Network marks an essential advancement for Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital and represents a vital contribution to the pediatric oncology field. By pooling resources and insights from widespread institutions, CBTN and its members – including the newly joined Intermountain – are optimistic about developing better and more effective treatments for childhood brain tumors.