Advances in Pediatric Cancer Therapies Bring Hope to Young Patients, But Funding Remains a Concern
The miraculous recovery of 8-year-old Lianna Munir from leukemia, thanks to CAR T-cell therapy, is a testament to the progress being made in pediatric cancer treatments. However, despite these advances, researchers warn that more funding is needed to further improve these life-saving therapies.
According to a new report from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), pediatric cancer research has made significant strides over the past decade, with over 20 molecularly-targeted therapies and 10 immunotherapies being approved for pediatric cancers. These advances have enabled clinicians to tailor treatment for certain types of pediatric cancers based on the molecular profile of a child or adolescent.
The AACR report highlights the need for increased funding for pediatric cancer research, as current federal funding falls far short of what is needed. About 4% of federal cancer research dollars went to childhood cancer before 2021, according to The Children's Cancer Foundation. This shortage has led to criticisms that it will erode advances in pediatric cancers.
The report notes that while there have been significant gains in acute lymphoblastic leukemias and lymphomas, pediatric brain cancers remain a major challenge, with some having devastating drivers that make them difficult to treat. In 2025, an estimated 15,000 children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer, and nearly 1,700 will die of cancer.
Moreover, 60% to 90% of children who survive cancer will have at least one chronic health condition by the time they are adults due to their disease or its treatment. This underscores the need for continued research into new therapies that can improve outcomes for young patients.
The AACR report advocates for increased funding from the National Institutes of Health and other sources, including the Trump administration's proposed cut in federal health research funding. Without sufficient funding, researchers warn that progress may plateau, leaving children without effective treatment options when needed most.
As Lianna Munir's mother, Adrian Horn, put it, "If we hit a plateau, we don't have a next step to go to." Her daughter's miraculous recovery is a testament to the power of innovative therapies like CAR T-cell therapy. However, ongoing research is vital to ensure that these treatments continue to advance and become available to all children in need.
The story of Lianna Munir serves as a reminder that while progress has been made in pediatric cancer treatments, there is still much work to be done. By advocating for increased funding and support, researchers can help ensure that young patients like Lianna receive the best possible care and treatment options.
The miraculous recovery of 8-year-old Lianna Munir from leukemia, thanks to CAR T-cell therapy, is a testament to the progress being made in pediatric cancer treatments. However, despite these advances, researchers warn that more funding is needed to further improve these life-saving therapies.
According to a new report from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), pediatric cancer research has made significant strides over the past decade, with over 20 molecularly-targeted therapies and 10 immunotherapies being approved for pediatric cancers. These advances have enabled clinicians to tailor treatment for certain types of pediatric cancers based on the molecular profile of a child or adolescent.
The AACR report highlights the need for increased funding for pediatric cancer research, as current federal funding falls far short of what is needed. About 4% of federal cancer research dollars went to childhood cancer before 2021, according to The Children's Cancer Foundation. This shortage has led to criticisms that it will erode advances in pediatric cancers.
The report notes that while there have been significant gains in acute lymphoblastic leukemias and lymphomas, pediatric brain cancers remain a major challenge, with some having devastating drivers that make them difficult to treat. In 2025, an estimated 15,000 children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer, and nearly 1,700 will die of cancer.
Moreover, 60% to 90% of children who survive cancer will have at least one chronic health condition by the time they are adults due to their disease or its treatment. This underscores the need for continued research into new therapies that can improve outcomes for young patients.
The AACR report advocates for increased funding from the National Institutes of Health and other sources, including the Trump administration's proposed cut in federal health research funding. Without sufficient funding, researchers warn that progress may plateau, leaving children without effective treatment options when needed most.
As Lianna Munir's mother, Adrian Horn, put it, "If we hit a plateau, we don't have a next step to go to." Her daughter's miraculous recovery is a testament to the power of innovative therapies like CAR T-cell therapy. However, ongoing research is vital to ensure that these treatments continue to advance and become available to all children in need.
The story of Lianna Munir serves as a reminder that while progress has been made in pediatric cancer treatments, there is still much work to be done. By advocating for increased funding and support, researchers can help ensure that young patients like Lianna receive the best possible care and treatment options.
this is just so heartbreaking, 15,000 kids will get diagnosed with cancer in 2025 
and only 60-90% will be okay by adulthood... what can we do to help these tiny humans feel better? we need more funding for research ASAP 
that car t-cell therapy is amazing but we need it to keep going 
let's raise awareness and get people on board with giving these kids the best chance at a happy life 
. I mean, we've got some amazing meds now, but it's crazy how much more is needed to make a real difference 
. And it's heartbreaking to think about all those chronic health issues they'll face later on... it's just so unfair 
. We gotta keep pushing for more funding, or we might be stuck in a plateau 
. Lianna Munir's story is just a reminder that our work isn't done yet 
its like theyre asking for a lifesaving treatment and people are all about cutting funding lol like what kinda person does that? 
my heart goes out to these kids & their families who r goin thru so much. 15k+ new cases of cancer in 2025 is insane 
we need more $$ for research ASAP or these treatments will be a thing of the past 
I'm so glad we're seeing some promising developments in pediatric cancer treatments, but it's super frustrating that funding remains a huge concern 
. I mean, 4% of federal cancer research dollars for childhood cancer? That's like, woefully inadequate 
.
. We need to keep pushing for more funding and research so that we can find new ways to treat these conditions and give kids a better shot at living healthy, happy lives 
lianna munir's story is so inspirin, but we gotta keep workin towards more funding 
if we dont, it'll be like hit'n a plateau and those lil kids wudnt get the treatment they need when they r most in need 
I mean sure CAR T-cell therapy is making waves but lets be real funding is still a major issue here 
But what if we could find new treatments that can help kids like Lianna Munir 
So let's get the word out and demand more funding for cancer research! 
. 
. researchers need funding 2 continue innovatin & pushin th boundaries of what's possibl 
car t-cell therapy is literally a miracle 
.
