UPDATED: Photos and Videos from Symposium have been added (7-18-18)
All published videos are available from CCF You Tube Channel- 2018 CCF Symposium Playlist
The Children’s Cancer Foundation, Inc. hosted the third annual Research Symposium, “Today’s Research to Tomorrow’s Clinical Trials” on Wednesday, June 6, 2018.
Launched in 2016 and the brainchild of CCF Scientific Advisory Board Chair Jeffrey Toretsky, M.D., of Georgetown Lombardi, the CCF Research Symposium is based on the belief that small local research dialogue will go a long way toward substantial research collaboration. Regional experts, advocates, and trainees share their research and continue to advance the treatment of childhood cancer.
The one-day event was attended by over 80 participants and was generously hosted by Giant Food. CCF gratefully acknowledges the support of The Kahlert Foundation and all volunteers who contributed to an incredible day of learning.
Attendees heard from Keynote speaker, Dr. Catherine Bollard, of Children’s National, who shared her journey as a groundbreaking researcher in immunotherapy and presented its greater potential for treating childhood cancers.
The 2017 Giant Food Next Gen research awardee, Dr. Haneen Shalabi, of the National Cancer Institute at NIH, presented the progress of her CCF-funded research on CAR-T cell therapy for leukemia patients.
Additional speakers included: (links are to presentations on You Tube, where applicable)
- Holly Meany, M.D., Children’s National
- Micah J. Maxwell, M.D., Ph.D, Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Jeffrey Rubens, M.D., Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Saravana Selvanathan, Ph.D., Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Helka Peredo-Pinto, M.D., Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Haydar Çelik, Ph.D., Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Kirsten Williams, M.D., Children’s National
Review the CCF You Tube Channel’s playlist of all published presentations from the day here.
The greatest opportunity for research exchange and discussion was offered during the mid-day poster sessions, where participants talked with more than 30 poster presenters from area research institutions. A plan for new collaboration and a discussion of similar hurdles faced in one’s research were two highlights from this session.
The most emotional part of the day came from those directly impacted by pediatric cancer, who shared their journeys – Alisha Bartels, who lost her son, John Eric, to neuroblastoma, and Kalani Looper, who survived her battle with AML as a teen.
CCF is grateful to these courageous and dedicated individuals that participated in the symposium and looks forward to following the incredible advancements that they make with their research, trials, treatments, and advocacy.
The 4th Annual CCF Research Symposium is tentatively scheduled for June 5, 2019.
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- Dr. Catherine Bollard, Children’s National, presents an overview of immunotherapy and its continued potential in treating some children’s cancers.
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- Dr. Haneen Shalabi, National Cancer Institute/NIH, presents her CAR-T Cell Therapy research.
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- L to R: Jerry Chadwick, President, The Children’s Cancer Foundation, Inc.; Jeffrey Toretsky, M.D., Chair, CCF Scientific Advisory Board, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center; Haneen Shalabi, D.O, National Cancer Institute at NIH, Giant Food NextGen 2017 Awardee; Tasha Museles, CCF Executive Director; Terry McGowan, CCF Board Member, Giant Food, Director Quality Assurance; and Steve Coomes, CCF Board Member
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- PhD Candidate Garrett Graham of Georgetown discusses his research during the poster session.
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- Other researchers discuss details of their research.
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- Alisha Bartels shares her story of her son’s fight with neuroblastoma.
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- Dr. Holly Meany offers a clinical overview about Neuroblastoma, before researchers present their specific research.
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- 2016 CCF Giant Food Next Gen Awardee Dr. Jeffrey Rubens updates the audience of the last year’s work on AT/RT, the most common brain cancer in infants and toddlers.
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- Dr. Micah Maxwell of JHU, discusses treatment possibilities for Neuroblastoma and Rhabdomyosarcoma
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- Saravana Selvanathan, Ph.D., Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center discusses his research.
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- Dr. Kirsten Wiliams, of Children’s National, presents her latest research on T-cell treatment in high risk leukemia and lymphoma
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- 2016 CCF Research Grant Awardee Dr. Christine Pratilas, takes notes from presentations.
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- 2014 CCF Giant Food Next Gen recipient Dr. Nirali Shaw, of the National Cancer Institute, attends in support of her colleagues presenting.
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- NCI Pediatric Branch Chair Dr. Brigitte Widemann introduces Dr. Haneen Shalabi, also of NCI, and recipient of the 2017 CCF Giant Food Next Gen award.
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- AML Survivor Kalani Looper shares her inspiring journey of determination and bravery.
