#USA #pediatric cancer #San Francisco #PNOC Foundation #Lose No Child

The PNOC Foundation Launches the 'Lose No Child' Campaign

In a significant move that promises to revolutionize the treatment of pediatric brain cancer, the PNOC Foundation has officially launched the 'Lose No Child' campaign, backed by a robust investment of $50 million. This initiative aims to accelerate advancements in treatment options for children battling brain cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in this age group.

A Decade of Progress in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology

Over the past ten years, the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC) has made considerable strides in the field, raising over $25 million, launching more than 30 clinical trials, and enrolling over 1,000 children diagnosed with rare brain tumors. Notably, their efforts have led to two groundbreaking FDA approvals for treatments tailored specifically for pediatric brain cancer, marking a monumental achievement in a sector where progress has been historically sluggish compared to other cancers.

Dr. Michael Prados, Co-Founder of PNOC and Professor Emeritus at UCSF, expressed optimism regarding this collaborative approach: "In our first decade, PNOC demonstrated that teamwork is crucial in addressing pediatric brain cancer. Our results confirm that by uniting our resources, we can expedite the development of new treatments for children faster than previously imagined."

Objectives of the 'Lose No Child' Campaign

The 'Lose No Child' campaign aims to transform the landscape of pediatric cancer treatment within five years—a timeframe significantly shorter than the industry standard of a decade. The PNOC Foundation has already secured $12 million during the silent phase of the campaign, which will continue through to 2028. The funds from this initiative will be allocated towards three primary objectives:

1. Clinical Trial Development (50% of funds) - This includes creating innovative trial protocols, implementing AI technology to enhance protocol design, ensuring efficient patient recruitment, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

2. Access to Innovative Therapies (30% of funds) - PNOC intends to guarantee that children receive access to cutting-edge treatments worldwide as soon as they become available, ensuring no child is left behind in the fight against cancer.

3. Identifying Predictive Biomarkers (20% of funds) - Research will focus on discovering biomarkers that can predict how well a child may respond to specific treatments, thus optimizing early-stage research and integrating advanced AI methods for faster therapy development.

Dr. Sabine Mueller, a Co-Founder of PNOC and Professor at UCSF, mentioned, "We have witnessed promising developments for some tumor types, instilling hope for the future. This year, we are launching groundbreaking trials employing new therapeutic techniques like direct virus injections into tumors and novel metabolic strategies aimed at attacking tumor cells. The 'Lose No Child' campaign is essential for sustaining this momentum, ensuring that families have better treatment options promptly."

Closing the Gap in Pediatric Cancer Treatment

Bruce and Allyn Campbell, the Foundation's Co-Founders, emphasized the urgency of this campaign: "While the science to support these treatments exists, the critical need is for the funding and infrastructure that can match that urgency. The 'Lose No Child' campaign is our rallying call for parents, families, philanthropists, and corporate America to join us in facilitating better outcomes for children."

Interested supporters are encouraged to visit www.losenochild.org to learn more about the campaign and how to get involved.

About the PNOC Foundation

The PNOC Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research in pediatric brain cancer. With a mission to eliminate child deaths from brain cancer and enhance the quality of life for survivors, PNOC works collaboratively with institutions worldwide. Since its founding in 2012 at UCSF, the Foundation has aimed not only to enhance research but also to improve treatment accessibility through a cooperative open-source network involving leading specialists across 43 institutions globally.

The latest campaign marks a critical elevation in their commitment to reducing the burden of pediatric brain cancers and fostering collaboration that transcends geographical limits. As cancer treatment methodologies evolve, initiatives like 'Lose No Child' become ever more crucial in the chase for a brighter future for afflicted children and their families.