Pediatric Oncology
The session will take place on Thursday afternoon, 26.2.26, 12:00-18:00
* Closed sessions for satellite participants only. Pre-registration is required.
Pediatric Oncology is entering a new era
With the rise of cross-disciplinary innovation, translational pipelines, and collaborative infrastructures, we are witnessing a global shift in how pediatric solid tumors are approached — from bench to bedside and back. This symposium brings together world leaders in pediatric brain tumors and neuroblastoma to explore how investigator-led clinical research can evolve into tangible, impactful clinical tools, platforms, and therapeutic strategies.
What to Expect?
- Real-case presentations of research-to-clinic pipelines
- Current preclinical research in Israel: promising leads in Immunotherapy, personalized solutions, nano-delivery and modeling
- Discussion with international clinical study consortia leaders re translation of current preclinical research to clinical studies
- Moderated panel on building national infrastructure for pediatric oncology research
Topics to Be Covered
- Real-world pipelines: from organoids to trials
- Liquid biopsy and CSF-based biomarkers in pediatric CNS & NB tumors
- Immunotherapy and personalized therapy in relapsed cases
- Biobanking, harmonization, and multi-center trial readiness
- The role of clinicians, researchers, and parents in shaping actionable projects
Confirmed International Speakers and Participants (to be incorporated throughout the sessions)
- Chairperson: Michelle Monje (USA) – Translating Neurobiology to Clinical Breakthroughs
Renowned for her work on diffuse midline gliomas and tumor–microenvironment interactions, Prof. Monje leads clinical translation through advanced models, immunotherapy, and global collaboration.
- Roger Packer (USA) – Therapeutic Innovation in Pediatric CNS Tumors
With decades of leadership in clinical trials and translational strategies, Prof. Packer brings unmatched experience in driving therapy development across CNS tumor subtypes.
- Praveen Raju (USA) – Drugging the ‘Undruggable’ in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology
A physician-scientist with expertise in GEM models of pediatric brain tumors and CNS drug delivery, Dr. Raju is leveraging novel nanotherapeutic technologies to address the translational challenges in pediatric neuro-oncology.
- Uri Tabori (Canada) – Genetics and Immunotherapy for Pediatric Brain Tumors
An expert in cancer predisposition and hypermutation, Prof. Tabori integrates genetic diagnostics and immunotherapy into real-world protocols for children with high-risk CNS tumors.
- Sabine Heitzeneder (USA) – Current CAR T-Cell Trials in Neuroblastoma
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Hematology & Oncology) at Stanford University, Dr. Heitzeneder is a leading researcher in pediatric cancer immunology and adoptive cellular therapy, with a focus on identifying tumor‑restricted targets and advancing novel CAR‑T and immune‑based strategies for childhood solid tumors and neuroblastoma.
- Sabine Mueller (Switzerland) – Thinking Differently- PNOC’s Translational Vision for DMG
Prof. Sabine Mueller is a globally recognized leader in pediatric neuro-oncology, with joint appointments at UCSF, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, and as the Executive Director of the Pacific Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC). Her work bridges clinical care, translational research, and global collaboration to improve outcomes for children with brain tumors.
- Daniel Morgentern (Canada)
Dr. Daniel Morgenstern is Director of the New Agent and Innovative Therapy (NAIT) Program at SickKids Hospital in Toronto and co-leads their neuroblastoma service. He specializes in early-phase clinical trials and the development of novel therapies for children with high-risk solid tumors, with particular expertise in neuroblastoma and precision oncology.
Poster Viewing and ARI-PST Consortium Working Meeting
Light lunch alongside moderated poster discussions with promising researchers and clinicians.
ARI-PST Consortium Working Meeting
Invitation-only closed session for consortium partners, researchers, and strategic stakeholders.
Focus: Shared infrastructure, collaborative grants, and 2026–2027 roadmap.
Challenge Pitch Session: “What Needs to Be Solved?”
Hospital-based clinicians will each present a real clinical question that demands a research solution. A short feedback round will follow with current available innovative therapies, followed by future applications of current Israeli cutting edge preclinical research
Clinical Innovation Spotlight
A short showcase presenting pediatric oncology research stories that are on their way (or already made it) into clinical practice:
- Liquid biopsy in pediatric tumors – from proof to pilot
- Promising therapies in pediatric brain tumors and neuroblastoma
- Innovative preclinical studies
Closing Panel: From Research Hubs to Clinical Action
How do we bridge the gap between ideas and impact in pediatric oncology?
This session gathers cross-sector voices to chart the path forward for Israel and beyond, with a focus on real platforms, shared research assets, and clinician-driven innovation.
Key Questions:
- What platforms are missing in Israel for pediatric clinical research?
- How can biobanks and real-time data be made more accessible?
- What are the bottlenecks in moving research into practice?
- How can national collaboration elevate our global role?
Panelists will include international speakers, Israeli consortium leads, and representatives from the Ministry of Health and family organizations. (4 -5 Panelists).
ARI-PST Clinical Leadership
ARI-PST Academic Leadership
Supporting Partners
Sponsors
