Research

We collaborate to find a cure for medulloblastoma. Brain cancer is the deadliest disease facing kids in the United States. We are one of the only nonprofits whose research investments are solely dedicated to medulloblastoma.

RESEARCHERS ROUNDUP

Every 2–3 Years | June/July

Researchers RoundUp is a high-level collaboration between the Carson Leslie Foundation and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

Together, we “round up” the brightest childhood cancer investigators across Texas to:

  1. Discuss emerging data
  2. Encourage cross-institutional collaboration
  3. Identify the next frontier of cures

Outcomes of Researchers RoundUp help CPRIT launch Requests for Applications (RFA’s) so that Texas funding supports the most promising and innovative research benefitting the smallest and most innocent cancer patients all across the world.

By bringing the best minds into one room, we accelerate progress toward a world without medulloblastomas.

Research Partners

ASCO Conquer Cancer

American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Conquer Cancer was founded by the foremost cancer doctors of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to seek dramatic advances in the prevention, treatment and cures of all types of cancer.

CPRIT

Cancer Prevention and Research Institute in Texas. Product Development Research. CPRIT creates and supports infrastructure in Texas that accelerates the movement of new cancer drugs, diagnostics, and therapies.  New CLF/CPRIT Cancer Research Project For Pediatric Cancers Funding Awarded.

Children’s Brain Tumor Network

The Children’s Brain Tumor Network drives innovative discoveries, pioneers new treatments and accelerates open science to improve the health of every child and young adult diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Current Investments

ASCO YOUNG INVESTIGATORS

Starting in 2026, we are supporting the Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award with the American Society of Clinical Oncology. This program advances promising early-career researchers as they pursue innovative, mentor-guided work in clinical oncology. It provides critical funding during the transition from fellowship to faculty, helping launch the careers of physicians dedicated to improving cancer care and outcomes.

CBTN MEDULLOBLASTOMA LIQUID BIOPSY PROGRAM

We are proud to support a multi-year initiative with the Children’s Brain Tumor Network to advance its Medulloblastoma Liquid Biopsy Program. This work focuses on validating a promising biomarker, mir-216b-5p, using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to enable earlier and less invasive monitoring of disease recurrence and treatment response. By expanding one of the largest longitudinal CSF biobanks and integrating biomarker, imaging, and clinical data, this initiative is helping lay the foundation for more precise, real-time diagnostics in pediatric brain cancer.

Texas Children’s — Biomarker Project

We are supporting the groundbreaking pediatric brain tumor research led by Dr. Michael Taylor at Texas Children’s. This work focuses on uncovering the molecular genetics of medulloblastoma and ependymoma, two of the most common malignant brain tumors in kids. By advancing the development of a simple blood-based biomarker test, this initiative aims to enable early detection, potentially identifying tumors in infancy and allowing for earlier, less invasive intervention that can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.