It is with deep concern that we share news of the National Cancer Institute’s decision to end funding for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC)—a vital research network founded in 1999 to advance cures for pediatric brain tumors. Over 26 years, PBTC has completed 42 clinical studies and enrolled more than 2,200 children—many of whom had no other treatment options.
In 2023 alone, an estimated 5,230 children and adolescents were diagnosed with primary brain tumors. With a five-year survival rate of just 75.6%, and brain tumors remaining the leading cause of cancer-related death in this age group, the need for continued research is urgent. The PBTC has been a lifeline for families and a beacon of hope in the fight against childhood cancer.
Defunding this consortium threatens to halt progress, delay access to innovative treatments, and diminish hope for thousands of children. Congress must act now to restore funding and protect the future of pediatric brain tumor research. 
You can learn more about the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium here: https://www.pbtc.org

Children Deserve a Fighting Chance—Support PBTC

As a constituent, I am writing to express my deep concern and urge the full reinstatement of funding for the National Institutes of Health, specifically for pediatric brain tumor research consortiums. The federal government’s investment in medical research is not only essential for advancing scientific discovery—it directly supports the development of lifesaving treatments for our most vulnerable populations. Continued funding is critical to ensuring that children with brain tumors have access to innovative therapies and hope for a healthier future.

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Sustained federal investment is essential to prevent devastating setbacks in scientific and medical progress. Without it, we risk losing not only years of research but also years of potential life for children across the country. Continued funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is an investment in our nation’s health, economy, and global leadership in biomedical innovation.

We strongly urge support for robust, stable funding for medical research—especially for collaborative initiatives focused on pediatric brain tumors. Without this support, we slow the engine of discovery, delay critical advancements, and jeopardize the future of children and families who depend on these breakthroughs.