Changing Childhood Cancer a Project at a Time

When No More Kids with Cancer was founded, the hope was that cures were around the corner. The reality is that cancer is difficult, very personalized, and science and technology are only recently advancing at a pace that can create breakthroughs. We at No More Kids with Cancer believe we are on the cusp of breakthroughs. Why?

In our short history, we've funded research and trials, and one of those projects is moving to a phase II trial. That treatment provides another step towards treating childhood brain cancer, and was not an option as recently as 2017. Whether it's the brain cancer trial or another project, strong research eventually leads to breakthroughs, and breakthroughs save lives. 

Changing childhood cancer is a series of small wins that lead to big changes. It takes patience and requires persistent support.  

Our Impact

Donors give, and we do the work of funding research which could lead to safer, less toxic and more effective treatments in childhood cancer. Private donors cover modest expenses that include technology, office supplies and other basic needs to fuel our long-term vision. In our first two years of operations, we’ve stayed true to this promise and supported two phase 1 clinical trials, 1 Stand Up To Cancer Dream Team, 8 research projects and 15 leading children's hospitals.

Sharing and Access

We support projects that promote cross-institutional sharing. The following hospitals have access to research and trials we fund: 

Dana Farber/Boston Children’s
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Children’s National Medical Center
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Seattle Children’s Hospital
Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
Oregon Health & Science University
University of Utah
Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland
University of California, San Francisco
University of California, Los Angeles
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, University of California
San Diego Rady Children’s Hospital
 

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Phase I Trial Grant

No More Kids with Cancer awarded CHOP a $220,000 grant that will be directed to a Phase I clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of immune system cells called CAR T cells – to treat relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children and young adults. The trial will test the safety and potential efficacy of a new CAR T-cell immunotherapy in children and young adults with AML - the second most common form of leukemia in children.

Sequencing tumors aid in discovery

Over $50,000 provided to partially sequence a targeted areas of supratentorial PNET's, a heterogeneous group of aggressive brain tumors for which we have limited understanding of the tumor biology. This preliminary work was crucial prior to full genomic sequencing of the supratentorial PNET specimens in the CBTTC tissue bank, an effort which is being led by an investigator at Seattle Children's Hospital.

Sequencing tumors to aid in research and discovery of better treatments. No More Kids with Cancer has supported sequencing of pediatric brain cancer and medulloblastoma specimens in the biorepository tissue bank for use by researchers and member institutions of the CBTTC.

Studying Gene Mutations to Stop Growth of Brain Cancer Cells

$75,000 toward research to find drugs that can halt the growth of pediatric malignant brain tumors - Dr. Kristina Cole, at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, is receiving support from No More Kids with Cancer for her laboratory work studying the effect of mutations that cause ALT in pediatric malignant gliomas and embryonal tumors to determine the genes and proteins that are involved and to find drugs that can selectively halt the growth of these cancers.   

One of the ways in which normal cells receive a signal that they should no longer divide is through shortening of DNA sequences at the tips of their chromosomes (telomeres) with each cellular division. Some cancers, including subsets of pediatric malignant gliomas and pediatric embryonal tumors have developed mutations that keep their telomeres extra long (alternative lengthening of telomeres, or ALT) and give these cancer cells a growth advantage.  

Supporting Early Researchers

Approximately $100,000 for a clinical research associate (CRA) to expand the Neuro-oncology program at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, expanding the hospital’s ability to open clinical trials. 

Stand Up To Cancer Pediatric Brain Cancer Dream Team

The No More Kids with Cancer #MustardChallenge campaign raised awareness and funds for new treatments. The campaign shed light on the antiquated and toxic drugs used to treat children with cancer. Over 8 million people engaged with the message that “1950s Drugs Are Unacceptable” for kids. The campaign was covered nationally, by over 40 news outlets.

The Mustard Challenge raised about $100,000, and those funds will be matched $1 for $1, up to $6 million by Stand Up To Cancer to support a Pediatric Brain Cancer Dream Team. A Dream Team is a cross-institution, cross-discipline team with a focus on accelerating new, groundbreaking discoveries in cancer treatments which can save lives today. You can learn more at www.mustardchallenge.com.