Recently, the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute in San Antonio was awarded millions of dollars to further their research efforts. The institute, which is one of only two solely dedicated pediatric cancer research centers in the United States, is focused on finding new therapeutics and treatments for young cancer patients, as well as improving their quality of life and education.
The funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) will be 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. Manjeet Rao, a professor and deputy director at the institute, 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.