Research updates: Spring 2026
Each year, CKc funds innovative research projects, committing to three years of support for every grant awarded. As part of this investment, researchers submit annual reports detailing the progress and breakthroughs achieved over the previous year. The insights shared here are drawn from updates provided by CKc-funded researchers, including Dr. Jonathan Metts, Dr. Giselle Sholler, and Dr. Thomas Cash, offering a closer look at how this work is moving the field forward.
Dr. Jonathan Metts | View his research here
Dr. Metts conducts his research at the Moffitt Cancer Center and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. High-risk types of malignant solid tumors in children (pediatric malignant solid tumors, pMST) require new treatments to raise the long-term cure rate. Dr. Metts is working to make that happen, aiming to demonstrate that his Phase I clinical trial of TIL-ACT in high-risk pMST is safe and feasible for administration in children. Of the CKc funding Dr. Metts received in 2022, he says, “The Cannonball Cancer clinical trial grant was the first award that my team received in support of our TIL clinical trial, and I can confidently say that this grant is the reason the entire project is possible. We have received multiple awards to fund other aspects of this trial since Cannonball’s original award and are so excited to see the trial up and running!”
Five children are currently enrolled in the clinical trial, and 10 more are anticipated to join in the near term. Proof that Metts’ work matters lies in the 15 children with new options.
Dr. Metts’ first trial was so successful, that a second trial based on the one CKc initially funded is active and recruiting, gaining more than $1 million in follow up support, from JHACH, Benjamin Gilkey Foundation, and Swim Across America. After receiving funding, Dr. Metts was promoted to Associate Member at Moffitt in January 2026 and transitioned from Co-Director to Director of the Adolescent and Young Adults Program at Moffitt Cancer Center. He’s seen the impact, “Our families have shared their immense gratitude to be a part of this research project. Given the high-risk nature of the tumors these patients have, all have been very excited to have a potential additional treatment option if other treatments fail.” Dr. Metts’ work is a powerful example of how early investment can spark momentum, advancing new treatment options while bringing hope to patients and families who need it most.
Dr. Giselle Saulnier Sholler | View her research here
Dr. Giselle Saulnier Sholler received CKc funding for her Phase II Trial of Naxitamab and Tipifarnib for Relapsed/Refractory Neuroblastoma being conducted at Penn State’s College of Medicine. Her trial, despite facing setbacks, has ultimately moved forward, receiving additional funding from the Beat Childhood Cancer Foundation and Four Diamonds Research Fund. Dr. Sholler also presented at Sheltered Instruction Observation Protoco (SIOP) 2025, a globally recognized, prestigious conference used to make medical terminology more accessible for English Speakers.
Momentum is building behind Dr. Sholler’s clinical trial, with early patient enrollment and a growing network of sites expanding access to this promising approach. Currently, there are 4 patients enrolled in her trial, with 9 sites opening, including one at Orlando Health in Central Florida as well as Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami. Dr. Sholler shared links to a podcast found at the bottom of this page detailing her trial, saying, “As enrollment in our current trial grows, we look forward to connecting CKc with a participating family in an upcoming reporting period. This will provide an opportunity to share firsthand experiences and illustrate the tangible benefits of research for patients and their loved ones.” Dr. Sholler’s commitment to impact and transparency is clear, providing options for pediatric patients that certainly fit CKc’s definition of “innovative.”
Dr. Thomas Cash | View his research here
Dr. Thomas Cash conducts his research at Emory University, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Dr. Cash’s trial is open and enrolling patients at 4 sites with 35 patients enrolled so far. That is 35 patients with options that would not be available without his research. That is tangible hope. Dr. Cash presented results from the 2nd strata of patients as a poster at The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025. Presenting his research at the ASCO, one of the most widely attended conferences in oncology, creates a powerful opportunity to share findings broadly, spark meaningful collaborations, and accelerate progress for children with cancer.
In his report, Dr. Cash details, “Among patients with brain tumors, we have seen responses (tumor shrinkage) in three patients with medulloblastoma and one patient with pineoblastoma. Among patients with solid tumors, we have seen tumor responses in patients with soft tissue sarcoma, juvenile xanthogranuloma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and neuroblastoma. In addition, we have had patients in both strata who have had prolonged stable disease (>/= 6 months), which is considered a success in patients with multiple relapsed cancer. Many of our patients have been able to work, go to school, and play sports all while receiving this treatment, and several have stayed on to maintain a good quality of life while continuing to receive treatment for their cancer.” Together, these outcomes highlight not only the treatment’s potential to control disease, but its ability to help children continue living full, meaningful lives while facing cancer.
Drs. Metts, Sholler, and Cash are giving hope to pediatric cancer patients directly. You can help by making sure they have the resources to continue pushing boundaries and finding new ways to be innovative. Explore our website to give, contribute, or learn about CKc’s work.
Want to know how you can support innovative researchers like Drs. Metts, Sholler, and Cash? Letters of Intent (LOIs) are open and the 2026 Grant Cycle has begun. You can support the 2026 grant cycle with a gift to CKc! Click here: https://cannonballkidscancer.org/donate/
There can never be too many options for children facing cancer; we must continue to invest in innovative research and champion the breakthroughs that are expanding what is possible.
Links to Dr. Giselle Saulnier Sholler 3 Part Podcast Series Available on Youtube:
- Neuroblastoma 101 & Why Clinical Trials Matter (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQC4hkZXnWQ)
- Designing Better Pediatric Trials (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MdltxZBSQ)
- The Future, Real Patient Stories and How to Help (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKW33GsDpAE)
