News

Samreen Shaikh receives the 2024 CERN and Robert Connor Dawes Scientific Fellowship Award with the National Brain Tumor Society

— Categories: Categories: Categories: Categories: CERN Research Articles   Ependymoma Research Articles   Press Release   Ependymoma Community     Posted on September 18, 2024

This fellowship award is a part of an ongoing collaboration between the CERN Foundation, National Brain Tumor Society, and the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation, and was created with the goal of advancing pediatric ependymoma scientific research through collaborative partnerships, internationally.

Ependymoma Guide - Third Edition Released

— Categories: Categories: Press Release   Ependymoma Community     Posted on June 14, 2024

The CERN Foundation, a program of the National Brain Tumor Society, recently released the third edition of the Ependymoma Guide. The goal of this guide is to provide basic facts about ependymoma to increase education and awareness about the rare disease.

Hope Themed Creative Writing Project Raises Awareness for Ependymoma

— Categories: Categories: Press Release   Ependymoma Community     Posted on April 30, 2024

In preparation for the 2024 Ependymoma Awareness Day event, the CERN Foundation issued a call for creative writing pieces on the theme of hope. Ependymoma community members from all over the world submitted original short stories and poems in order to raise awareness for the rare disease and recognize the importance of hope. Often, people use creative writing to express thoughts and feelings that might otherwise be difficult to share. In addition, writing can help a person process their experience and offer overall wellness benefits. Sharing these individual stories with the larger community provides support and a reminder that you aren’t alone. Submissions were used for various awareness activities and shared with the community.

New Grant Aims to Jumpstart Treatment Development for Patients with Rare Pediatric Ependymal Tumors

— Categories: Categories: Categories: Categories: CERN Research Articles   Ependymoma Research Articles   Press Release   Ependymoma Community     Posted on February 7, 2024

National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) is excited to announce that Johannes Gojo, MD, PhD, of Medical University of Vienna (Medizinischen Universität Wien), is the recipient of the first-ever CERN PFA Ependymoma Translational Research Award.

Taking Your Life Back After Ependymoma

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on December 7, 2023

Ependymoma Community Blogger Matt Cotcher describes a view into the complexities of reclaiming life after a brain or spinal tumor diagnosis and treatment. Cotcher empowers readers to take an active role in moving forward. He shares "Acknowledge the change that comes with treatment and focus on small tasks that can be accomplished." Read more to learn about his personal experience with accepting change and taking steps to reconnect with life as he knows it.

Power of Presence

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on November 30, 2023

Ependymoma Community Blogger Adam Holland shares his perspective on the power of presence and the impact it had on him during his treatment and survivorship of ependymoma. Throughout his entire journey, various medical professionals and allied healthcare workers, strangers in the waiting room, friends, family, and more have come alongside him in a meaningful way. Adam shares "The reality of the entire cancer process is that we cannot do it alone, we need others more than ever in our lives." Read more about the powerful ways connection has shaped his experience and changed his perspective.

Funding Opportunity! Posterior Fossa A Ependymoma Translational Research Award

— Categories: Categories: CERN Research Articles   Press Release     Posted on June 23, 2023

National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) is pleased to announce a request for proposals (RFP) for projects related to Posterior Fossa A (PFA) ependymoma, an underserved cancer that occurs primarily in young children and is generally associated with a poor outcome.

Ependymoma Key Issues

— Categories: Categories: Press Release   Ependymoma Community     Posted on June 13, 2023

The Ependymoma Key Issue effort serves as a critical example for other groups that are looking for a launching point to address how their unique challenges and opportunities fit within the larger narrative needs of the global brain tumor community.

2023 Ependymoma Awareness Day Outreach Report

—   Posted on June 9, 2023

​​In a groundswell of international support, patients, care partners, medical professionals, and advocates participated in a variety of events marking May 10, 2023, as Ependymoma Awareness Day.

New Ependymoma Research Effort Included in NBTS Flagship Research Project, DNA Damage Response (DDR) Consortium

— Categories: Categories: CERN Research Articles   Press Release     Posted on April 12, 2023

National Brain Tumor Society’s DNA Damage Response (DDR) Consortium is a collaboration of world-class researchers advancing an emerging and promising, but underdeveloped, area of cancer research: a tumor’s DDR network.

“ReConnected” authors launch YouTube Channel to raise awareness and share stories of rare disease survivorship

—   Posted on March 16, 2023

Ependymoma spinal cord tumor survivors are using video interviews to raise awareness and provide connection for a rare disease community.

Ependymoma Essentials - Educational Video Series for Ependymoma Patients and Care Partners

— Categories: Categories: Press Release   Ependymoma Community     Posted on December 20, 2022

A community driven initiative designed to create educational videos that communicate reliable and trustworthy information in collaboration with leaders in the ependymoma community.

Tips From the Ependymoma Community for Children and Adults Starting Radiation Treatment

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on October 21, 2022

We asked the ependymoma community to share useful tips for people starting radiation treatment and received good feedback from survivors, parents, and care partners.

CERN Seed Grant Launches New $3M Ependymoma Research Project

— Categories: Categories: Categories: CERN Research Articles   Ependymoma Research Articles   Press Release     Posted on August 18, 2022

Discoveries from the 2020 CERN Robert Connor Dawes Pediatric Fellowship, supported by the National Brain Tumor Society, to Dr. Chan Chung in Dr. Sriram Venneti’s laboratory at the University of Michigan, were instrumental in helping to win an esteemed $3 million R01 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

NCI-CONNECT leads Survivorship Care in Neuro-Oncology Workshop in partnership with advocacy organizations including the CERN Foundation and National Brain Tumor Society

— Categories: Categories: Categories: Ependymoma Research Articles   Press Release   Ependymoma Community     Posted on August 17, 2022

The CERN Foundation a program of the National Brain Tumor Society, proudly endorses the Proceedings of the Survivorship Care in Neuro-Oncology Workshop Sponsored by the Comprehensive Oncology Networking Evaluating Rare CNS Tumors (NCI-CONNECT), which summarizes a two-day virtual workshop held virtually on June 20 and 21, 2021, addressing the advancement of survivorship care for people living with primary central nervous system cancers. 

Intimacy and a Brain or Spinal Cord Tumor Diagnosis

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on July 21, 2022

A rare disease diagnosis is isolating and impacts so many areas of life including the taboo subject of self-image and sexuality. After all, there may be no other factor as important in the ‘quality of life’ discussion as intimacy.

2022 Ependymoma Awareness Day Outreach Report

— Categories: Categories: Press Release   Ependymoma Community     Posted on May 27, 2022

In a groundswell of international support, patients, care partners, medical professionals and advocates participated in a variety of events marking May 10, 2022 as Ependymoma Awareness Day.

Saying Goodbye to the Patient Who Inspired the CERN Foundation

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on February 18, 2022

While it was never his intention or desire, Dallas Mathile’s diagnosis with an anaplastic ependymoma in 2002 would spark the creation of a unique research and advocacy organization that today serves as a collective voice, a safe and caring place, and an innovator, all for the ependymoma community.

Congratulations to Kendra Maass, the 2022 CERN and Robert Connor Dawes Scientific Fellowship Recipient

— Categories: Categories: CERN Research Articles   Press Release     Posted on January 25, 2022

Kendra Maass, from the Hopp Children's Tumor Center Heidelberg (KiTZ) and German Cancer Research Center (DFKZ), is the recipient of the 2022 CERN and Robert Connor Dawes Scientific Fellowship awarded by the National Brain Tumor Society. Research efforts will focus on unraveling the mechanistic dependencies of ependymoma tumor cells on extracellular vesicle pathways.

Managing a Rare Disease During the Covid-19 Pandemic

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on January 12, 2022

Hearing the phrase, “you have cancer” is terrifying. Learning that you have a rare type of cancer makes it even more daunting. Doing those things while a global pandemic is occurring complicates it all, which only adds to the pressure of the moment.

Common diabetes drug promising against rare childhood brain tumor in laboratory studies

— Categories: Categories: CERN Research Articles   Ependymoma Research Articles     Posted on November 12, 2021

In cell and mouse models, metformin suppressed tumor growth in group A posterior fossa ependymomas.

Ependymoma Key Issues Article featured in the 2021/2022 edition of Brain Tumour Magazine, published by the IBTA

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on September 24, 2021

A collaborative exercise to raise awareness of the unique issues facing a rare brain and spinal cord tumor community.

What advice do you have for other ependymoma parents?

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on September 15, 2021

We asked our community to share their advice for other ependymoma parents with a newly diagnosed child. We received numerous responses. Thank you for your participation! Read their advice for pediatric ependymoma families.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: It’s Complicated

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on September 9, 2021

Ependymoma caregiver, Tamiko, shares insight into the different reactions from the pediatric cancer community during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and offers words of wisdom to the brain tumor community.

CERN Foundation Supplement to NBTS Blog Post ‘What You Need to Know About the New Updates to Brain Tumor Classification and Grades’

—   Posted on August 5, 2021

Awareness Starts With You

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on May 21, 2021

Ependymoma survivor, Jennifer, shares the importance of awareness and how internal awareness is step one. Jennifer writes “Awareness began for me when I began to worry about what felt like a little fire inside my left temple.” Read her second Ependymoma Community Blog entry titled 'Awareness Starts with You' to learn more about her personal experience with awareness.

2021 Ependymoma Awareness Day Outreach Report

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on May 20, 2021

In a groundswell of international support, patients, care partners, medical professionals and advocates participated in a variety of events marking May 10, 2021 as Ependymoma Awareness Day.

Survivorship: What’s Next?

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on January 13, 2021

Adam Holland writes about his experience moving forward after his diagnosis with ependymoma. He reflects on all that he has gone through and provides insight into the process of accepting his new normal. In this blog article, Adam reminds us all of the power of telling our story.

CERN 08-02 Clinical Trial Creates Significant Impact in the Ependymoma Community

— Categories: CERN Research Articles     Posted on December 11, 2020

The CERN Foundation supported a phase II clinical trial, CERN 08-02, for adults with recurrent ependymoma. A manuscript describing the results of the trial has been accepted for publication in Neuro-Oncology. Neuro-Oncology is the official journal of the Society for Neuro-Oncology.

CERN Foundation to Become A Designated Program of NBTS

— Categories: Categories: Press Release   Ependymoma Community     Posted on September 17, 2020

National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) and the CERN Foundation Announce Official Plans for CERN to Become a Designated Program of the NBTS

c-IMPACT NOW update 7: Advancing the Molecular Classification of Ependymal Tumors

—   Posted on August 26, 2020

New scientific information recently published will influence the molecular classification of ependymoma tumors in the near future. This information builds upon our current understanding of ependymoma pathology and previous publications on molecular classification. Much of this data was built upon the foundational work that CERN supported.

Metabolic Regulation of the Epigenome Drives Lethal Infantile Ependymoma

— Categories: Ependymoma Research Articles     Posted on July 24, 2020

Ependymomas are glial tumors that occur throughout the central nervous system. Of the nine distinct molecular types of ependymoma, posterior fossa A (PFA) ependymomas, found in the hindbrain of infants and young children, are the most prevalent type. In this publication, the investigators have identified a metabolic-epigenomic link in PFA ependymomas that informs the phenotype of PFA ependymoma and possible development of novel therapeutic strategies for these lethal cancers.

Ependymoma Awareness Day is May 3, 2020

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on April 3, 2020

Join the CERN Foundation to raise awareness of ependymoma! On May 3, 2020, CERN will mark the ninth Annual Ependymoma Awareness Day with a virtual butterfly release to honor loved ones, caregivers and to increase public recognition of this rare tumor.

Taboo Cancer Topics

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on March 30, 2020

Ependymoma survivor, Matt, shares how to bring up taboo cancer topics with your doctor - prognosis, intimacy, embarrassing side effects, second opinions and disagreeing with the treatment plan.

Coronavirus Disease Impact and Resources

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on March 19, 2020

View some helpful links to important information on ways to stay healthy and up to date on the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ependymal Tumors

— Categories: Ependymoma Research Articles     Posted on March 7, 2020

The European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) have published guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of ependymoma tumors.

CERN Foundation Awards 2020 Scientific Fellow

— Categories: Categories: CERN Research Articles   Press Release     Posted on January 17, 2020

At the 2019 CERN Foundation Annual Meeting, held during the Society for Neuro-Oncology’s Annual Meeting in November, the CERN Foundation announced the latest distinguished scientific fellowship award. The CERN and Robert Connor Dawes Scientific Fellowship awarded by the National Brain Tumor Society provides a competitive award for pediatric ependymoma research.

2019 End of Year Update

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on December 20, 2019

Hear a few of the important projects and activities the CERN Foundation was able to participate in 2019.

Announcing the Ependymoma Fund for Research and Education

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on December 17, 2019

The CERN Foundation and the National Brain Tumor Society have joined forces to help people with ependymoma and advance ependymoma research toward the development of new and better treatments through the creation of the Ependymoma Fund for Research and Education.

2020 CERN Calendar

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on November 18, 2019

To celebrate the heroic efforts from members of our community and to spread awareness about ependymoma, the CERN Foundation created a 2020 calendar featuring inspiration stories, disease information, and CERN programs to inspire, influence and impact others.

Get help! Don’t Fight Cancer Alone

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on November 18, 2019

Ependymoma survivor, Matt, shares how to utilize resources the medical system makes available.

CERN Supports Research to Further Understand Ependymoma

— Categories: CERN Research Articles     Posted on October 17, 2019

CERN fellowship recipient, Dr. Kristian Pajtler, and collaborators, have made important discoveries.

CERN Foundation Releases Ependymoma Community Blog Series

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on August 26, 2019

Featuring a collection of articles written by members of the ependymoma community. Some authors are ependymoma survivors and others are care partners. They share their advice to help others with ependymoma cope with their illness.

Consulting with Dr. Google

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on August 19, 2019

Ependymoma caregiver, Tamiko, shares how to navigate the internet when searching for disease information.

Coping with Scans

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on August 5, 2019

Ependymoma survivor, Jennifer, shares how she copes with follow-up brain and spine scans and waiting for the results.

Be Your Own Advocate

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on July 31, 2019

Ependymoma survivor, Sarah, shares three tips to help guide you through your ependymoma journey.

CERN Foundation Brings People Together

— Categories: Ependymoma Community     Posted on July 3, 2019

CERN brings two ependymoma survivors together across the country and globe. Adam is from California and Allie is from Kansas. Both were diagnosed with ependymoma, in almost the same spots in the left occipital lobe.

Ian Delivers Speech at Ependymoma Awareness Day

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on May 29, 2019

Ependymoma survivor, Ian, gave these remarks to patients and caregivers at the Bracewell law firm during the National Brain Tumor Society’s Head to the Hill event.

Neuro-oncologist and Ependymoma Survivor Shares Her Story

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on May 29, 2019

Dr. Zsila Sadighi shared her experiences as an ependymoma survivor who later became a pediatric neuro-oncologist at the 2019 Ependymoma Awareness Day butterfly release during the National Brain Tumor Society’s Head to the Hill event.

Kimberly Encourages the Brain Tumor Community

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on May 29, 2019

CERN Foundation President, Kimberly Wallgren, gave these remarks to patients and caregivers at the Bracewell law firm during the National Brain Tumor Society’s Head to the Hill event.

2019 Ependymoma Awareness Day Outreach

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on May 29, 2019

In a groundswell of international support, patients, caregivers, professionals and advocates participated in a variety of events marking May 5, 2019, as Ependymoma Awareness Day.

Ependymoma Meeting

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on March 22, 2019

The Fourth Biennial Ependymoma Consensus was held at NIH, February 20 to 22, 2019. Neuro-oncology experts worldwide met to advance their knowledge and collaborate to find better treatments for people with ependymoma.

Ependymoma Awareness Day is May 5, 2019

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on January 25, 2019

Join the CERN Foundation in Washington, DC, to raise awareness of ependymoma! On May 5, 2019, CERN will mark the eighth Annual Ependymoma Awareness Day with the release of over 1,000 butterflies to honor loved ones, caregivers and to increase public recognition of this rare tumor.

CERN Supported Research Shows Improvements in Patient Care and Outcomes

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on January 18, 2019

Since its founding in 2006, the CERN Foundation has been committed to improving the care and outcome of people with ependymoma through community support and research efforts. Today, we are excited to share that our support of research and patient and caregiver participation in the research have made a significant impact.

2019 CERN Calendar

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on November 20, 2018

To celebrate the heroic efforts from members of our community and to spread awareness about ependymoma, the CERN Foundation created a 2019 calendar featuring inspiration stories, disease information, and CERN programs to inspire, influence and impact others.

Case-based Review: Ependymomas in Adults

— Categories: Ependymoma Research Articles     Posted on September 5, 2018

View a case-based review of a 46-year-old woman with a spinal cord ependymoma. Top neuro-oncologists discuss the current classification and treatment for ependymoma.

Radiation Therapy for Young Children with Ependymoma

— Categories: Ependymoma Research Articles     Posted on August 9, 2018

Santhosh Upadhyaya, MD, Neuro-oncologist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital discusses radiation therapy for young children under the age of 3 who have ependymoma.

Sarah Delivers Speech at 2018 Ependymoma Awareness Day

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on August 3, 2018

Sarah gave these remarks to patients and caregivers at the Hogan Lovells Law Firm during the National Brain Tumor Society’s Head to the Hill event.

The Southern Sassenachs Provide Support and Love

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on July 17, 2018

The non-profit organization, The Southern Sassenachs, has raised over $74,000 for various organizations over the past three years. This year, they have decided to raise funds for the CERN Foundation to improve the care and outcome for people with ependymoma.

CERN Foundation Partners with the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on July 12, 2018

The CERN Foundation is excited to announce it has partnered with NCI-CONNECT to facilitate engagement with patients with rare CNS tumors, including ependymoma.

CERN Supported Research Profiles Posterior Fossa Ependymomas

— Categories: CERN Research Articles     Posted on July 2, 2018

Of nine ependymoma molecular groups detected by DNA methylation profiling, the posterior fossa type A (PFA) is most prevalent. Researchers used DNA methylation profiling to look for further molecular heterogeneity among 675 PFA ependymomas.

CERN Foundation Awards 2018 Scientific Fellows

— Categories: Categories: CERN Research Articles   Press Release     Posted on February 12, 2018

At the 2017 CERN Foundation Annual Meeting, held during the Society for Neuro-Oncology’s Annual Meeting in November, the CERN Foundation announced two distinguished scientific fellowship awards. Both fellowships provide a competitive award for ependymoma research.

Ependymoma Awareness Day is May 6, 2018

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on January 22, 2018

Join the CERN Foundation in Washington, DC, to raise awareness of ependymoma! On May 6, 2018, CERN will mark the seventh Annual Ependymoma Awareness Day.

Therapeutic Targeting of Ependymoma As Informed By Oncogenic Enhancer Profiling

— Categories: Ependymoma Research Articles     Posted on January 9, 2018

Scientists have now developed a molecular approach that may open new treatment prospects for ependymoma.

Recent Advances in the Classification and Treatment of Ependymomas

— Categories: Ependymoma Research Articles     Posted on December 5, 2017

Ependymomas are rare neuroepithelial primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors that affect children and adult patients in which they make up 1.8% of all primary CNS tumors. In this article, authors review the classification, pathology and current clinical approaches.

2018 CERN Calendar

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on November 22, 2017

To celebrate the heroic efforts from members of our community and to spread awareness about ependymoma, the CERN Foundation created a 2018 calendar featuring inspiration stories, disease information, and CERN programs to inspire, influence and impact others.

Participate in the Ependymoma Outcomes and Risk Study

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on August 23, 2017

If you take part in this study, we will ask you to complete an online survey and submit a saliva sample that will be used for genetic testing to evaluate for risk factors.

2017 Ependymoma Awareness Day Outreach

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on June 20, 2017

In a groundswell of international support, patients, caregivers, professionals and advocates participated in a variety of events marking May 8, 2017, as Ependymoma Awareness Day.

Travis Vs. Ependymoma

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on June 16, 2017

Travis' co-workers help support their friend in his fight against brain cancer.

2017 Ependymoma Awareness Day

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on May 26, 2017

Patients, caregivers and medical professionals from around the world dedicated May 8, 2017, as the sixth annual Ependymoma Awareness Day!

Tyler’s Girlfriend Gives Ultimate Christmas Present

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on March 29, 2017

Tyler's girlfriend, Nicole, holds fundraiser at a local bar to raise funds for the CERN Foundation.

The CERN Foundation Launches New Website

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on January 19, 2017

The CERN Foundation is committed to improving the care and outcome of people with ependymoma. In order to better reach this goal, CERN underwent an intensive website redevelopment process.

CERN Supports Molecular Classification of Ependymoma Panel Discussion

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on January 18, 2017

The 2016 Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) was held from November 17-20 in Scottsdale, Arizona. During the meeting on Friday, November 18, the CERN Foundation supported a special evening session.

Epigenetics Help Find Prognosis for Posterior Fossa Ependymomas

— Categories: Ependymoma Research Articles     Posted on January 18, 2017

Ependymomas are brain or spinal tumors that can occur in people of all ages within the central nervous system. The prognosis of these tumors does not necessarily correlate with tumor grade and there are no genetic mutations that can be used to classify these tumors.

Clinical Presentation and Outcomes for Adult Ependymoma Patients

— Categories: CERN Research Articles     Posted on September 28, 2016

The Adult Ependymoma Outcomes project was initiated to capture pertinent patient information on various aspects of one’s care through self-reported experience to evaluate how this rare tumor impacts patients.

CERN Foundation Releases People of CERN Series

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on September 26, 2016

This series of short films, produced by the CERN Foundation, aims to humanize the experience of ependymoma by sharing real people's stories and ultimately raising awareness about this rare form of brain and spinal cancer.

Second Edition of Ependymoma Guide Published

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on August 22, 2016

The CERN Foundation completed the second edition of the ependymoma guide as a resource for patients, caregivers and advocates.

CERN Tissue Samples Used to Analyze the Impact of Surgery and Radiation on Ependymoma

— Categories: CERN Research Articles     Posted on June 8, 2016

Ependymoma is the third most common brain tumor in children. The current therapy for posterior fossa ependymoma in children is surgery followed by radiation therapy.

Steve Cox Delivers Speech at 2016 Ependymoma Awareness Day

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on June 5, 2016

Steve gave these remarks to patients and caregivers at Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center during the National Brain Tumor Society’s Head to the Hill event.

2016 Ependymoma Awareness Day Outreach

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on May 24, 2016

In a groundswell of international support, patients, caregivers, professionals and advocates participated in a variety of events marking May 2, 2016, as Ependymoma Awareness Day.

CERN Supported Research Uses New Approach to Calculate Drug Doses for Ependymoma Treatment

— Categories: CERN Research Articles     Posted on May 10, 2016

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital scientists have used sophisticated pharmacologic modeling and simulation to translate preclinical findings into a phase I clinical trial of a chemotherapy, 5-FU, for ependymoma treatment.

2016 Ependymoma Awareness Day

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on May 3, 2016

Patients, caregivers and medical professionals from around the word dedicated May 2, 2016, as the fifth annual Ependymoma Awareness Day!

CERN Progress Update

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on January 25, 2016

Established in 2007, the CERN Foundation remains focused on improving the lives of children and adults worldwide diagnosed with ependymoma.

CERN Ependymoma Fellowship Recipient Announced

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on January 5, 2016

In late 2015, the CERN Foundation was pleased to announce that Vijay Ramaswamy, MD, PhD, was selected as the inaugural recipient of the CERN Basic Science Ependymoma Research Fellowship.

CERN Investigators Publish Paper on the Biology and Management of Ependymomas

— Categories: CERN Research Articles     Posted on January 4, 2016

Ependymomas are rare primary tumors of the central nervous system in children and adults that comprise histologically similar but genetically distinct subgroups.

CERN Foundation At The 2015 Annual Society For Neuro-Oncology Meeting

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on December 14, 2015

The 2015 Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) was held from November 19-22, 2015 in San Antonio, TX. Researchers supported by the CERN Foundation were well represented at the meeting.

2015 Annual CERN Meeting

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on December 10, 2015

The CERN Foundation held a productive meeting on November 20, 2015 at the Marriott Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio, TX. Thirty investigators from across the CERN network participated in a lively yet informal sharing of information on a broad range of ependymoma topics.

Coping With The Holidays

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on December 7, 2015

The holiday season is often time of tradition and renewed hope. If you or a loved one has an ependymoma, or if you have lost someone to the disease, the holidays may be more stressful. This can make it hard to feel connected, unable to meet demands, and out of sync with those around you.

No Shave November

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on December 1, 2015

Hotchkiss Insurance in Houston, TX held a “No Shave” contest and fundraiser for the month of November to support Diane Hotchkiss and raise funds for the CERN Foundation.

A Sweet Gesture Goes A Long Way

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on November 9, 2015

One bake shop owner decided she wanted to help out a family in need and support ependymoma research.

Participate In Our Online Ependymoma Outcomes Surveys

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on September 18, 2015

The Ependymoma Outcomes Projects are online surveys created for both adults (Adult Ependymoma Outcomes or AEO) and children with ependymoma (Pediatric Ependymoma Outcomes or PEO).

CERN Investigators Publish Paper on 5-FU

— Categories: CERN Research Articles     Posted on August 6, 2015

A phase I study of the drug called 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) examined the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerable dosing for children and young adults with recurrent ependymoma.

2015 Ependymoma Awareness Day Outreach

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on June 6, 2015

In a groundswell of international support, patients, caregivers, professionals and advocates participated in a variety of events marking May 5, 2015, as Ependymoma Awareness Day.

CERN Postdoctoral Basic Science Research Fellowship

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on May 27, 2015

The CERN Foundation is committed to improving the care and outcome of people with ependymoma through community support and research efforts. Through the funding of a postdoctoral fellowship, the CERN Foundation supports training opportunities.

Kimberly Speaks At 2015 Ependymoma Awareness Day

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on May 16, 2015

Kimberly gave these remarks to patients and caregivers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, who gathered to raise awareness of this rare form of brain and spine cancer.

CERN Investigators Publish Paper on Phase II Study

— Categories: CERN Research Articles     Posted on May 14, 2015

In an open-label, two-stage, phase II study (CERN 08-01), CERN investigators aim to investigate the effect of bevacizumab and lapatinib in children with recurrent or refractory ependymoma.

CERN Investigators Publish Paper on the Molecular Classification of Ependymal Tumors

— Categories: CERN Research Articles     Posted on May 11, 2015

Ependymal tumors are currently classified and graded solely by histopathology (microscopic examination of tissue in order to study the manifestations of disease). This classification, however, is limited on predicting patients’ outcome.

CERN Principal Investigator Publishes Paper That Identifies Eighteen Genes That Contribute to Childhood Ependymoma

— Categories: CERN Research Articles     Posted on May 6, 2015

The CERN Foundation has supported a major discovery in the fight against ependymoma. This discovery, led by scientists from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, lays the foundation for developing new, much needed chemotherapy agents and finds evidence that anti-cholesterol drugs called statins slow growth of ependymoma tumor cells.

CERN Investigators Publish Paper on the Side Effects of Corticosteroids

— Categories: CERN Research Articles     Posted on February 9, 2015

Corticosteroids can have many side effects that impact the patient’s quality of life and functional status. (Corticosteroids are a class of chemicals that includes the steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates).

CERN Foundation At The 2014 Annual Society For Neuro-Oncology Meeting

— Categories: Press Release     Posted on December 29, 2014

This is the CERN Foundation podcast for the winter of 2014. In this special podcast, we have highlighted some of the important research presented by CERN-supported investigators at the 19th Annual Scientific Meeting and Education Day of the Society for Neuro-Oncology.