#United States #New York #NYU Langone #Children's Brain Tumor Network #Hassenfeld Hospital

Hassenfeld Children's Hospital Joins Children's Brain Tumor Network

In a significant move for pediatric oncology, Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone has been welcomed as the latest member of the Children's Brain Tumor Network (CBTN). This partnership aims to bolster pediatric brain tumor research by fostering collaboration among leading institutions dedicated to this critical field. Across the nation, brain tumors in children represent a daunting challenge, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance treatment outcomes.

Dr. Jessica Clymer, who is the director of the pediatric neuro-oncology program at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital, will take on the role of principal investigator for CBTN. Her enthusiasm reflects the commitment of the team to tackle the complexities of pediatric brain tumors. "My team and I at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital are thrilled to collaborate with other CBTN institutions as we unite our efforts to advance pediatric brain tumor research and provide the best care for our patients and families," Dr. Clymer stated.

The Importance of Collaboration

One of the profound advantages of this partnership lies in the collaboration it promotes. CBTN stands out for its approach to gathering data and biological samples from a diverse patient population. Hassenfeld Children's Hospital will enable families affected by brain and spinal cord tumors to contribute samples that are essential for advancing research into tumor biology. The merging of data from multiple institutions is vital, as individual institutions often lack the necessary sample sizes to make meaningful advancements in research and treatment.

The pediatric neuro-oncology team operates from the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, renowned as one of New York City's oldest and most respected pediatric tumor centers. The hospital's research efforts have been supported since 2005 by the Making Headway Foundation, which is dedicated to improving outcomes for children dealing with brain tumors. The foundation’s recent collaboration with Hassenfeld Children's Hospital and CBTN signifies a united front in the ongoing battle against pediatric brain tumors.

A Vision for Better Outcomes

Daniel Lipka, Executive Director of the Making Headway Foundation, expressed pride in this alliance, noting, "We are so proud to play an important part in this collaboration as it directly connects to our mission of providing care and comfort for children with brain and spinal cord tumors while funding medical research geared to better treatments and a cure." This sentiment underscores the shared commitment from all parties involved in this initiative.

The value of the CBTN lies not just in its goal of advancing scientific knowledge but also in its large scale. The network currently boasts 34 participating institutions, having amassed over 82,000 biospecimens and enrolled nearly 7,900 child participants. Such statistics illustrate CBTN’s position as a leader in pediatric brain tumor research and its role in creating the largest childhood brain tumor data repository available.

A Brighter Future for Pediatric Patients

As Dr. Clymer and her team embark on this new chapter with CBTN, the optimism is palpable. Jena Lilly, Executive Director of the Children's Brain Tumor Network, highlighted the excitement surrounding this collaboration, stating, "We're thrilled to welcome Hassenfeld Children's Hospital to CBTN. Together, we are amplifying our efforts to advance pediatric brain tumor research and bring renewed hope to children and families in need of better treatments and brighter futures."

The future of pediatric brain tumor research will benefit immensely from such partnerships, and the integration of resources and knowledge among CBTN institutions promises to transform how these challenges are approached. The collaboration reinforces the sentiment that when it comes to treating childhood brain tumors, no effort is too great,

As Hassenfeld Children's Hospital takes its place in the CBTN, it brings with it a wealth of expertise and a firm commitment to bettering the lives of young cancer patients. The road ahead may be long, but with combined forces, there is hope for a future filled with innovative treatments and improved outcomes for children battling brain tumors.