National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) drives research along the entire continuum of the drug discovery and development pipeline, with a singular focus – to find a cure for brain tumors. To support this commitment:
- We fund only the most imminently promising projects for brain tumors.
- We seek researchers dedicated to the areas of greatest need.
- We demand research approaches, which will deliver compelling results.
With these guiding principles, our funded programs achieve thoughtful and strategic investments across the entire research spectrum, from basic science to clinical trials. By collaborating with the world's most prestigious institutions and researchers, we drive research to therapy seeking those projects with the scientific potential to reach clinical trial, as well as advance research progress for all brain tumors. With targeted programs in systems biology, pediatric brain tumors, and other emerging research areas, we are leading a community devoted to providing access to better care and new treatments, as well as expediting the discovery of a cure.
Since our inception, we have awarded more than $26 million in research grants. Today, our grant structure represents a comprehensive and distinct model, which is effective for both academic and industry researchers.
Systems Biology
Brain tumors are complex, and we believe a systems biology-based research approach can deliver more compelling insight. To fuel this innovation, we created the Mary Catherine Calisto Systems Biology Initiative, are funding glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) research through the Bridge Project, an unprecedented collaboration between the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT and Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, and encouraging other organizations to embrace this promising research methodology.
Pediatric Research
Our Pediatric Research Initiative funds research designed to better understand how the pediatric brain develops during the early years of life. With this foundation of knowledge, researchers can focus on the best biological targets for the development of new therapies or introduce (other disease-based) therapies to treat pediatric brain tumor patients.
Innovation Research Initiative
Through this program, we invest in Innovation Research Grants to pursue novel brain tumor research such as predicting genomic and genetic aspects of brain tumor development, and the impact and efficacy of new combination therapy approaches. One of our most recent grant recipients, Tocagen, Inc., has developed a potential treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors, and is currently in clinical trial.
Research Collaboration
Within the world of research there are many leading organizations and experts, and we believe our collective contributions and scientific advancements will benefit the entire brain tumor community. As such, we empower researchers to bring new therapies to brain tumor patients through collaborations and partnerships with the National Brain Tumor Society.
