Center for Pediatric Tumor Cell Atlas

Relapsed pediatric high-grade glioma and high-risk neuroblastoma have poor outcomes for patients. In order to advance therapies for children with these tumors researchers must expand upon their genetic understanding with further research. The goal of the Center for Pediatric Tumor Cell Atlas (CPTCA) is to characterize molecular interactions at critical transition points in 3 deadly pediatric cancers: pediatric high grade glioma (pHGG), high risk neuroblastoma (HR NB) and very high-risk B-cell ALL (VHR ALL). Understanding how a tumor is molecularly changed at different transition points, such as in response to therapy and at the point of recurrence, could lead to advancements in care. In addition, the CPTCA’s historical commitment to both resource and data sharing guarantee that the entire research and patient community will benefit. The Children’s Brain Tumor Network contributed to this project by providing samples, genomic data and imaging data of rare pediatric brain cancer specimens necessary to carry out this line of questioning.