Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Supports Four Research Projects Advancing New Treatments for Childhood Cancer

Support from Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is helping accelerate four promising research projects focused on developing safer, more effective treatments for children facing cancer.

The funded work includes:

• Defining cell(s) of origin and clinical risk in Langerhans cell histiocytosis, led by Carl E. Allen, MD, PhD 
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare, potentially life‑threatening disease marked by tissue‑damaging lesions formed by abnormal dendritic immune cells. Researchers will analyze blood and bone marrow to detect mutations involved in LCH tumor development. Findings may help predict which children can be successfully treated with standard therapy, helping ensure patients receive the best possible treatment.

• Multi‑center clinical testing of autologous HER2 CAR T cells and their synergy with surgical resection in recurrent ependymoma, led by Meenakshi G. Hegde, MD  
Ependymoma is a rare central nervous system tumor that frequently recurs after initial treatment. Researchers are evaluating the safety of intravenous injections of HER2‑targeted CAR T cells after lymphodepleting chemotherapy, as well as the feasibility of combining CAR T‑cell infusion with surgical tumor removal. Findings will help guide future treatment options for children with recurrent ependymoma.

• Developing cytokine‑armed CAR‑NKT immunotherapy for neuroblastoma, led by Leonid S. Metelitsa, MD, PhD 
Neuroblastoma is a form of cancer that develops from immature nerve cells (neuroblasts), most often arising in young children. Researchers seek to enhance B7‑H3‑targeting NKT cells, so they remain active longer and deliver a stronger anti‑cancer response, laying groundwork for a next‑generation immunotherapy for children with neuroblastoma.

• Armored GPC3-CAR T cells for children with treatment refractory Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumors, led by David H. Steffin, MD 
Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is a fast‑growing and aggressive childhood brain cancer. This project will engineer “armored” CAR T cells that can survive longer within ATRT tumors, offering a potential option for children whose disease no longer responds to current treatments.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a national nonprofit dedicated to funding new, less toxic treatments for pediatric cancer. The organization has invested more than $25 million in research and helped advance over 60 treatments now available to children. Learn more at cookiesforkidscancer.org.

Carl Allen's Texas Children's profile: https://www.texaschildrens.org/find-a-provider/carl-e-allen-md-phd 

Meenakshi Hegde's Texas Children's profile: https://www.texaschildrens.org/find-a-provider/meenakshi-g-hegde-md 

Leonid Metelitsa's Texas Children's profile: https://www.texaschildrens.org/find-a-provider/leonid-s-metelitsa-md-phd

David Steffin's Texas Children's profile: https://www.texaschildrens.org/find-a-provider/david-h-steffin-md