Brigitte Widemann, M.D., Chief of the Pediatric Oncology Branch of the Center for Cancer Research at the National Cancer Institute, wears many hats, including serving as the Chair for The Children’s Cancer Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). She, along with colleagues representing other local research institutions, advises CCF on several projects throughout the year.
Although I have known Dr. Widemann for years, it was not until recently that we had time to speak in depth about her contributions to the pediatric cancer research community and her experience as a longtime member of the SAB, as she steps in to serve as its Chair. CCF is deeply grateful to Jeff Toretsky, M.D., of the Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center, for creating the SAB and serving as Chair for the past ten years.
One of the SAB’s primary objective is to help plan the CCF Annual Research Symposium, now in its 9th year. This day-long conference provides a unique opportunity for local pediatric cancer researchers, at all stages of their careers, to collaborate and exchange information and findings. Brigitte has played an important role in developing and growing the Symposium since its first event in 2016.
Dr. Widemann noted that the CCF Research Symposium “fills a need for the local pediatric cancer research community, providing education as well as unique access to some of the area’s leading researchers. It is a tremendous opportunity for younger researchers and has resulted in the development of collaborations between institutions.” Widemann noted that the Symposium offers a comfortable environment for mentorship. It is one of her favorite meetings and she looks forward to attending and catching up with everyone each year.
In addition to supporting the aims of the symposium, Dr. Widemann has been involved in CCF’s efforts because she sees first-hand the impact that CCF grants have made on the region. She points out how critical the CCF grants have been not only to support important research but also to the development of the next generation of physician scientists. She shared how pediatric cancer research has advanced significantly, particularly in the cellular and CAR T-cell therapies for leukemias. While the development of effective solid tumor treatments has lagged behind, she is optimistic that there will be active treatments for these tumors of unmet need in the nearer future.
During her tenure at the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Widemann’s primary focus has concentrated on developing effective therapies for children, adolescents and young adults with rare solid tumors. Dr. Widemann has established a comprehensive clinical research program to develop meaningful clinical trials for patients with peripheral nerve sheath tumors. After a series of clinical trials, Dr. Widemann’s team led the phase II registration trial for NF1, a genetic condition causing tumors to grow on nerves. This led to the first FDA approval of a medical therapy for these tumors. Dr. Widemann expanded these efforts to other rare tumors and is a founding member of the NCI Rare Tumor Initiative.
Additionally, she co-founded the Cancer Moonshot-supported My Pediatric and Adult Rare Tumor Network (MyPART), which engages patients, advocacy groups, researchers and clinicians in the study of rare pediatric and adult tumors with the ultimate goal of developing effective therapies.
Dr. Widemann currently serves as the head of the Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics Section, as Chief of NCI’s Pediatric Oncology Branch, and as Special Advisor on Childhood Cancer to the NCI Director. And, of course she serves on the CCF Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). She, along with SAB colleagues, review the many abstracts we receive annually for the CCF Symposium. For 2025, the Symposium is June 4th. Most importantly, Brigitte is a tremendous friend, mentor, leader and supporter to CCF.
I am delighted to partner with Brigitte and continue the legacy of the CCF Research Symposium.
With appreciation,
