Assorted News from the Last Week:

The ARPA-H Pediatric Care eXpansion (PCX) initiative is a $50 million program launched in January 2026 to create a national, AI-powered data network connecting over 200 pediatric hospitals—ensuring children with complex diseases like brain cancer receive the same level of expert diagnosis and treatment regardless of their geographic location.  Recently CAC2 Members took part in the PCX Roadshow (videos at links below):

• Ginny McLane (CAC2 Board Chair & Gift from a Child) 
• Misha Mehta (CAC2 Board Member & Neev Kolte & Brave Ronil Foundation)
• Meeting Highlight Video 

New guidance for GPs in UK aims to cut delays in childhood cancer diagnosis.

The immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab (Opdivo) was approved in combination with the chemotherapy regimen doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine for adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with previously untreated, advanced (stage 3 or 4) classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

Study shows the investigational anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody mezagitamab was safe and significantly increased platelet counts in patients with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

An integrative molecular map of pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia shows that combining different types of data can reveal subtle differences between patients and help us better understand the complex biology of childhood leukemia.

Examining evolving trends in oral cavity cancer among younger adults.

Scientists uncover previously unknown chromatin regulation mechanism with therapeutic potential for pediatric cancer.

Extra chromosomes may seed childhood leukemia years before disease.

Teen and young adult cancer survivors face double the risk of later cancers.

Upcoming Webinars, Online Opportunities, and Meetings:

Following the cancellation of the 2025 Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) Symposium originally scheduled for last fall, NCI will inaugurate the CCDI Virtual Symposium Series in the coming weeks. Sessions will occur across multiple days in March and April.  Click Here to Learn More and Register.

CAC2 hosts Logan G. Spector and Jonathan Eric Agin, as they share the latest research and practical insights to support earlier recognition and better outcomes for children on April 22 at noon ET.  Click here to register.

Elevate Childhood Cancer, in partnership with the Kidney Cancer Association, will host the FIRST-ever Wilms Tumor Virtual Forum: Connecting Families and Experts on April 30, 2026. Click here for more information and to register.

11th International Nursing Conference on Child and Adolescent Cancer Survivorship in Philadelphia on April 30 and May 1.  Click here for more information and to register.

Richi Foundation invites the public to the Carnival of Colors to celebrate, foster community, and enjoy being together from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm ET on May 2.  Click here for more information and to register.

National Brain Tumor Society and volunteer advocates from across the country will come together in Washington, D.C., for Head to the Hill on May 3-5, 2026. Register today.

Started in 2017, the annual MIB Agents FACTOR conference brings together the leading researchers, clinicians, and surgeons, along with patient families and OsteoWarriors (survivors, patients, and siblings of OsteoWarriors and OsteoAngels) to Make It Better for those battling this disease.  This year the meeting will be in Columbus, Ohio June 25-27.  Click here for information and to register.

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