A key mechanism to support our translational research is through our PNOC Working Groups.  The intent is to be collaborative, forward thinking, strategic, and efficient in developing clinical trials for the highest unmet need patients treated on PNOC studies. 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).

Investigators within or beyond the over 30+ institutions composing PNOC and the CBTN participate and meet to bring forward their best ideas and strategies for research.  Consensus decisions for clinical trial development based upon high quality preclinical investigations are prioritized.  Collaborating teams share data on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, analyze their findings, and share resources to hasten progress. The key goal is to develop the best trials possible through extensive preclinical testing as well as investigations using imaging, body fluids, tumor tissue and functional studies including quality of life and cognitive outcomes that are collected as part of ongoing PNOC trials.

Collaboration with the CBTN and partnership with many of our partner foundations has been a key element of PNOC’s success. Given the historical lack of funding for translational research in pediatric Neuro-Oncology, resources are also sought from philanthropic and advocacy groups, a traditional source of early-stage funding in our field. However, instead of philanthropic outreach occurring at the institutional or investigator level, it occurs as a multi-institutional, multi-investigator engagement on behalf of the entire working group’s defined aims and needs. To that end, the advocacy/philanthropic groups are themselves invited to become a part of the strategy, participating on the working group calls and meetings, and to bring their important voice to the discussion.