#United States #Philadelphia #Pediatric Oncology #Children's Brain Tumor Network #John Prensner

CBTN Appoints Dr. John Prensner as New Scientific Co-Chair

On November 5, 2025, the Children's Brain Tumor Network (CBTN) revealed the appointment of Dr. John Prensner, a distinguished pediatric neuro-oncologist, as its new Scientific Co-Chair. Dr. Prensner is affiliated with the Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center at the University of Michigan, where he combines clinical practice with cutting-edge research in genomics and RNA biology.

In his role at CBTN, Dr. Prensner is expected to guide the organization's scientific strategies, strengthen collaborations among various institutions, and promote open data initiatives designed to expedite the transition from discoveries to actual treatments. "CBTN embodies the potential of open science to accelerate the pace of research in pediatric cancer. By pooling data, tools, and expertise across multiple institutions, we are establishing a foundation for future breakthroughs in care," remarked Dr. Prensner during his announcement.

Dr. Prensner's laboratory pioneers studies on the non-coding genome—the vast majority of DNA that lies outside known genes—and investigates how RNA translation contributes to childhood brain tumors, including aggressive types such as medulloblastoma, ATRT, and DIPG/DMG. His groundbreaking research seeks to unearth hidden cancer driver genes, identifying RNA-based therapeutic opportunities that could significantly change treatment protocols for these vulnerable patients.

Furthermore, Dr. Prensner is a driving force behind global collaboration in this field. He co-chairs the international TransCODE Consortium focusing on the non-canonical proteome and actively works with CBTN and the NCI Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) to standardize data and expedite pediatric glioma research. His involvement extends to serving as Co-PI and Co-Investigator on several early-phase clinical studies, underscoring his commitment to translational research.

Adam Resnick, the Executive Chair of CBTN, praised Dr. Prensner's leadership, stating, "Dr. John Prensner is a connector of advanced RNA biology and compassionate clinical care, accelerating the search for effective therapies for children facing brain tumors. His dedication highlights how shared resources and collaborative discovery can lead to substantial progress for children and their families."

About Children's Brain Tumor Network (CBTN)

The Children's Brain Tumor Network stands as a pivotal global research initiative focused on transforming pediatric brain tumor research and patient care. With an impressive network of 35 member institutions, CBTN has amassed over 110,000 biospecimens and enrolled more than 8,000 participants, establishing the world's largest resource for pediatric brain tumor data. By facilitating real-time data sharing and multidisciplinary collaboration, CBTN empowers researchers to spur innovation, ensuring that solutions reach the children and families who need them most in a timely manner. For further information, visit cbtn.org.