Precision Neuro-oncology

The Institute has joined the fight against childhood brain cancer with the establishment of the Joseph Clayes III Research Center for Neuro-Oncology and Genomics. Made possible by a $10 million endowment, the Center aims to accelerate the translation of leading-edge genomic research into prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures.

“The first instinct of parents who have a child diagnosed with cancer is to seek out the best treatments available,” said Dr. Stephen Kingsmore, President and CEO of Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine. “That’s exactly what our team of scientists, researchers and physicians aim to provide. By sequencing the tumor, we can discover the genomic foundation of the cancer, and develop individualized approaches to treatment.”

Noted scientist Robert Wechsler-Reya, PhD, is the Neuro-Oncology program director. He is also a professor and researcher at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (SBP) where he is focused on investigating the genes and nervous system signaling pathways that contribute to medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children.

Click here to view and download a video interview with Dr. Robert Wechsler-Reya.

Click here to read more about this groundbreaking work.

The Joseph Clayes III Research Center for Neuro-Oncology and Genomics was made possible by a $10 million gift from the Joseph Clayes III Charitable Trust and brings together childhood brain cancer researchers to accelerate the translation of new findings and knowledge into prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures. The endowment is divided into three specific programs:

  • The Joseph Clayes III Neuro-Oncology Research Fund that will accelerate research into the understanding of the genomic foundation of childhood brain cancers and help scientists to develop individualized approaches to treatment.
  • The Joseph Clayes III Endowed Chair in Neuro-Oncology Research, allowing Rady Children’s to invest in top leadership talent with the knowledge and skill to lead advanced genomics research.
  • The Joseph Clayes III Neuro-Oncology Research Fellowship and Education Fund, allowing the most promising young scientists to learn the best approaches in pioneering cancer research and preparing them to be future leaders in genomic medicine.