In pediatric brain cancer research, progress is driven by collaboration.
In Episode 51 of the Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon sit down with Dr. John Prensner, pediatric neuro-oncologist, researcher, and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School. As the recipient of the 2025 Young Investigator Grant from Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation, Dr. Prensner is leading groundbreaking research focused on relapsed medulloblastoma, DIPG, ATRT, and the molecular drivers behind pediatric brain tumors. Dr. John Prensner opens up about the realities researchers face and collaborative spirit that shape his work in pediatric brain cancer research.
Watch Dr. Prensner’s episode here: The Human Side of Pediatric Cancer Research | 51
What Led Him Here
Dr. Prensner traces his path into pediatric oncology back to a moment that changed the trajectory of his career. He encountered a young mother dying of brain cancer during his early medical training. That experience left a lasting impression and revealed the emotional weight carried by patients and families. As well as the urgency of understanding diseases that still have limited treatment options. That experience, along with early clinical encounters, specifically a young adolescent with a difficult tumor diagnosis, left a lasting impression. From that point forward his focus became clear and he wanted to better understand the molecular mechanisms driving brain tumors in children and contribute to the development of more effective treatments.
Why Collaboration Defines the Work
A major theme of the conversation is that scientific progress in pediatric cancer is not achieved in isolation. Dr. Prensner reflects on the evolution of modern research, describing how today’s environment is far more collaborative than earlier models of science that often emphasized working independently. Instead, he describes a “family-like” structure across the scientific communities, where labs are interconnected and knowledge is continuously shared. In his experience, meaningful progress comes from joining forces; this collaborative approach is essential in a field where no single lab can solve pediatric cancer alone.
Building a Lab that Works as a Team
Dr. Prensner shares how his philosophy shapes his own lab. His team focuses on understanding the biological and genetic changes that drive childhood cancers and how those changes affect the tumor behavior over time. To accomplish this, the lab brings together a wide range of expertise and rather than operating in silos, the lab is intentionally built around integration. For Dr. Prensner, the priority is not just a technical skill, but the ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a shared mission.
Mentorship and Developing the Next Generation
Mentorship is another core part of Dr. Prensner’s work and philosophy. He emphasizes that one of the most important parts of running a lab is helping each trainee find meaning in their work and supporting their individual growth. For Dr. Prensner, the goal is not to shape one path, but to help individuals grow into their strongest professional and personal selves.
The Reality of Funding and Progress
Dr. Prensner notes that pediatric cancer remains significantly underfunded relative to its impact. While federal support exists, instability in funding systems can create real challenges for researchers, particularly early-career scientists building their labs. He explains that funding uncertainty can slow progress, limit innovation, and make it harder to sustain long-term research programs. It also affects the broader scientific pipeline, influencing whether trainees choose to remain in the field. At the same time, he reflects that funding challenges can sometimes help refine scientific thinking, forcing researchers to sharpen their ideas, strengthen their proposals, and clarify the impact of their work.
Why This Conversation Matters
CKc is proud to support researchers like Dr. John Prensner, whose scientific vision is shaping the future of pediatric cancer research. Ultimately there is one message that matters the most, no single lab or researcher can solve pediatric cancer alone. By sharing these stories, we help our community understand what it truly takes to move the field forward and why every advocate, donor, and supporter plays a role in accelerating breakthroughs.
If you’re inspired by Dr. Prensner’s work and want to join our mission, visit cannonballkidscancer.org to learn more, donate, or get involved.
Know a survivor or advocate whose story needs to be shared? Email us at info@cannonballkidscancer.org to nominate a guest!
