The Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian at Columbia University has one of the largest pediatric oncology programs in the United States. Residing within this division is the Pediatric Cancer Foundation Developmental Therapeutics Program (PCFDTP) led by Dr. Julia Glade Bender. The PCFDTP has demonstrated scientific leadership in the field of translational antiangiogenic research through investigations of novel agents which inhibit tumor blood vessel growth by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor. Preclinical work is conducted in the Pediatric Tumor Biology laboratory and clinical translation is carried out by the PCFDTP which strives to deliver patient-centered care while offering innovative approaches not ordinarily available in the community through participation in early phase clinical trials. This interplay between laboratory studies and clinical investigation gives us the unique opportunity to introduce and advance new treatments for children with cancer. Columbia University continues to be one of only 21 Phase 1 institutions supported by the National Cancer Institute and the Children's Oncology Group (COG). Our institution is the only so designated center caring for children and adolescents with cancer in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut tri-state region. Our program is also an active member in both the New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT) and Therapeutic Advances in Childhood Leukemia (TACL) Consortia with Dr. Glade Bender serving as the Institutional Principal Investigator.

Scientific Contributions and Career Development

The PCFDTP has also demonstrated scientific leadership in the field of translational antiangiogenic research. Investigations of novel agents which inhibit tumor blood vessel growth, or angiogenesis, by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) began in the Pediatric Tumor Biology Laboratory, now called the taybanz/Matthews Family Foundation Solid Tumor Laboratory, at Columbia University Medical Center. As a result of this research, Dr. Glade Bender developed and chaired the first ever NCI/COG sponsored Phase 1 trial of Bevacizumab (AvastinTM) in pediatric solid tumors. This experience led to Dr. Glade Bender’s national and international recognition as a clinical leader in the development of antiangiogenic agents for pediatric cancer.

In recognition of her scientific contributions to the COG Phase 1 Consortium, Dr. Glade Bender was recently appointed to the COG Developmental Therapeutics Steering Committee. In addition, Dr. Glade Bender’s ability to effectively participate in team clinical research has led to appointments to other prominent COG committees including Strategic Planning, and the Bone Tumor Steering committees. Over the past year, Dr. Glade Bender was selected to lead the COG Task Force on Maintenance Therapy for High Risk Neuroblastoma. Given unacceptably high relapse rate in this disease, Dr. Glade Bender was given the charge to lead the development of the next phase 3 trial.