In 2019, PNOC established disease specific “working groups” with the main intent to bring clinicians, scientists, philanthropy, and families together to enhance clinical trial development and cultivate the most comprehensive correlative studies for each PNOC trial. The working groups use the resources of the Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN) biorepository to help translate ideas about the biology of these tumors into clinical trials to be conducted within PNOC. Clinical and laboratory scientists focus on diseases with high-unmet need and identify gaps and opportunities to change quality and overall outcomes of those patients. Advocacy/philanthropic and family groups are themselves invited to become a part of the strategy, participating on the working group calls/meetings, and to bring their important voice to the discussion.  These interactions have fostered important discussions that support the development and funding of innovative trials.

Working group focus areas include: Low grade Glioma, Diffuse Midline Glioma/High grade Glioma, Medulloblastoma, Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumors (ATRT), Craniopharyngioma, Ependymoma, Germ Cell Tumors, Immunotherapy, Imaging, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).