Progress in pediatric cancer research rarely happens overnight. It is built through years of discovery, collaboration, and persistence as researchers continue learning from each study and finding new ways to improve treatment for children.
In Episode 54 of Game Over: c*ncer, hosts Dana Nichols and Val Solomon sit down with Dr. Gregory Friedman, pediatric oncologist, Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation’s (CKc) funded researcher, and chair of CKc’s Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Friedman shares how his research in oncolytic viral therapy is helping explore new treatment possibilities for aggressive pediatric brain tumors, why childhood cancers require research designed specifically for children, and how each discovery helps shape the next step forward.
Watch Dr. Friedman’s episode here: Immunotherapy Breakthroughs with Dr. Gregory Friedman | 54
Harnessing the Immune System to Fight Cancer
Dr. Friedman’s research focuses on oncolytic viral therapy, an approach that uses specially modified viruses to target cancer cells while activating the immune system. Many pediatric brain tumors are considered “immunologically cold,” meaning they do not naturally attract enough immune cells to recognize and attack the cancer. By introducing the virus directly into the tumor, researchers are working to help the immune system identify cancer cells and create a stronger, more lasting response.
Pediatric Cancers Require Pediatric Solutions
One of the biggest lessons from Dr. Friedman’s research is that children’s cancers are not simply smaller versions of adult cancers. Pediatric tumors can have unique biology and respond differently to treatment, which is why therapies must be studied specifically in children. Through his research, Dr. Friedman’s team found that pediatric tumor models appeared to be more sensitive to oncolytic viral therapy than adult tumor models, reinforcing the importance of developing treatments designed with children in mind.
Every Discovery Creates New Possibilities
Progress is built through a continuous cycle of discovery, learning, and improvement. While early clinical trial results for oncolytic viral therapy showed encouraging signs, those results also created new questions for researchers to explore. Dr. Friedman and his team continue studying how tumors overcome treatment, how immune responses can be strengthened, and how combinations of therapies may create longer-lasting results. Each answer helps guide the next study and brings researchers closer to more effective treatments.
Families and Collaboration Drive Research Forward
Behind every clinical trial are children and families who help make future discoveries possible. During the conversation, Dr. Friedman reflects on families like the Kestlers, whose son Jake participated in one of his trials and whose experience helped inspire continued support for advancing pediatric cancer research. Their willingness to participate in research not only impacts the treatment options available today, but also helps create possibilities for future children facing cancer. Moving those discoveries forward requires collaboration across the pediatric cancer community, including experts on CKc’s Scientific Advisory Board who help evaluate research proposals and identify promising opportunities to support.
Why This Conversation Matters
Dr. Friedman’s conversation highlights that progress in pediatric cancer research is a long-term commitment. The breakthroughs of tomorrow are built on the questions researchers are asking today, the families who participate in clinical trials, and the supporters who help make innovative research possible. At CKc, investing in pediatric cancer research means supporting the discoveries and collaborations that create more treatment options for children and families facing cancer.
If you’re inspired by Dr. Friedman’s work and want to support pediatric cancer research, visit cannonballkidscancer.org to learn more, donate, or get involved.
Want to hear more about Jake and the Kestler’s organization Trial Blazers for Kids? Watch their episode here: From Diagnosis to Legacy: Jake’s Story and the Fight for a Cure
Know a survivor, researcher, advocate, or family whose story needs to be shared? Email us at info@cannonballkidscancer.org to nominate a guest!
