NCI Shifts Funding Focus from Pediatric Brain Cancer Consortium to Broader Oncology Network

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has announced a significant change in its approach to funding pediatric cancer research, opting to discontinue support for the long-standing Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC) in favor of expanding resources for a more comprehensive oncology group.

End of an Era for PBTC

Founded in 1999, the PBTC has been at the forefront of advancing clinical trials for children with brain tumors for over two decades. The consortium, which brought together 15 academic centers and children's hospitals across the United States and Canada, has been instrumental in conducting phase 1 and 2 trials, exploring new therapies, treatment delivery technologies, and radiation treatment strategies.

However, the NCI has decided not to renew the PBTC's five-year funding award beyond March 2026, effectively ending its 26-year run. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to adapt to the evolving landscape of pediatric drug development and brain tumor research.

Transition to PEP-CTN

The NCI's resources will now be redirected to expand support for the Children's Oncology Group Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trials Network (PEP-CTN). This network comprises 42 hospitals, including 21 core sites in the U.S. that participate in all of the group's clinical trials, and an additional 21 noncore sites across the U.S., Canada, and Australia.

A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson explained the rationale behind this shift: "Over time the fields of pediatric drug development and brain tumor research have evolved considerably. After reviewing this changing landscape, NCI has concluded that its resources can be used most effectively by expanding support for the Children's Oncology Group Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trials Network (PEP-CTN)."

The PEP-CTN's broader focus on targeted therapies for children with all forms of cancer aligns with the NCI's updated strategy for pediatric oncology research.

Ensuring Continuity in Research

Despite this significant change, the NCI has emphasized its commitment to ongoing research. The institute plans to collaborate with both the PBTC and PEP-CTN to complete ongoing PBTC trials and ensure a smooth transition. The HHS spokesperson assured that they "do not anticipate any funding gap for pediatric brain tumor research."

The PBTC currently has five open clinical trial protocols, including studies supported by biotech and medtech companies such as MimiVax, Novocure, and Senhwa Biosciences. The NCI has stated its intention to complete these trials "wherever feasible and appropriate," either by continuing to support the PBTC or by transitioning studies to the PEP-CTN.

This strategic shift in funding allocation comes at a time of uncertainty for overall National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. While President Donald Trump has proposed an $18 billion cut to the NIH's budget for the 2026 financial year, senators are pushing back, suggesting a $400 million increase instead.