The Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute in San Antonio is one of only two institutes in the United States solely dedicated to pediatric cancer research. Recently, they were awarded millions of dollars to further their efforts, with $10.4 million allocated specifically to their research.
Dr. Manjeet Rao, a professor and deputy director at the institute, explained that their goals are focused on finding new therapeutics and treatments for pediatric cancer patients, as well as improving their quality of life and education. UT Health San Antonio, the parent institution, has received approximately $16.4 million from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) in the past six months.
The funding from CPRIT is crucial for advancing research, particularly for diseases like Ewing Sarcoma, a soft tissue sarcoma that predominantly affects children. The money will be used to understand why Ewing Sarcoma cells do not respond to drugs and to explore potential treatment options.
At the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, researchers from around the world collaborate in 21 labs to develop new and less toxic treatments for childhood cancers. Dr. Rao emphasized the importance of attracting top talent from diverse backgrounds to further the institute’s mission. Scientists from countries like Mexico, Canada, India, and China are contributing their expertise towards finding innovative solutions for pediatric cancer.
The collaborative efforts at the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute continue to push the boundaries of pediatric cancer research, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for young patients.