Chapel Hill, NC, February 25, 2025 –The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF), a 501(c)3 rare pediatric cancer nonprofit organization, is proud to announce that it has selected UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, in partnership with the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, as a recipient of an inaugural TORCH (Transformational Outcomes for Rare Cancer Heroes) Initiative grant. This funding will support the development of a tool to assess whether CAR-T, a form of immunotherapy that uses a patient’s modified immune cell, will be effective against two rare pediatric brain tumors, diffuse midline glioma and recurrent high-grade glioma. This research reinforces UNC Lineberger’s commitment to improving the outcomes and quality of life for children battling rare pediatric cancers.
"We are incredibly honored to be a part of the TORCH Initiative, which will help us develop a new tool, or biomarker, to determine what types of treatment may work best for each patient’s specific tumor,” said David Kram, MD, MCR, Associate Professor of Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology at UNC Health. "This grant will not only enhance our ability to personalize treatment with complex therapeutics such as CAR-T cells, but it also signifies a critical step forward in our fight against rare pediatric cancers."
The TORCH Initiative, launched by ISF in 2024, is focused on accelerating the advancement of basic science, clinical trials, and survivorship programs specifically for rare pediatric cancer heroes. With a $2 million annual funding goal, the initiative aims to help transform the landscape of pediatric cancer research and treatment.
“It is an honor to work alongside the Isabella Santos Foundation as we develop new ways to treat childhood cancer. As a pediatric brain cancer survivor myself, I’ve made it my life’s work to lessen cancer’s burden on others, and the TORCH grant provides the perfect partnership to get that work done,” said Andrew Satterlee, PhD, Assistant Professor and Director of the Screening Live Cancer Explants Program at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.
"The TORCH Initiative represents ISF’s deep commitment to improving both the quantity and quality of life for children facing rare pediatric cancers," said Erin Santos, Executive Director and Founder of the Isabella Santos Foundation. "We aim to ignite change in pediatric cancer research and provide hope to young lives worldwide. I’m thrilled about the launch of TORCH and the potential it holds for hospitals like UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center."
The Isabella Santos Foundation, founded in memory of Isabella Santos, has been at the forefront of the battle against rare pediatric cancers since 2007. With the launch of the TORCH Initiative, ISF continues to build on its legacy of impact, leveraging its network and community support to advance the fight against these devastating diseases.
For more information about the TORCH Initiative or to learn how to support children facing rare pediatric cancers, please visit isftorch.com.
About UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
One of only 57 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center brings together some of the most exceptional physicians and scientists in the country to investigate and improve the prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer. With research that spans the spectrum from the laboratory to the bedside to the community, UNC Lineberger faculty work to understand the causes of cancer at the genetic and environmental levels, to conduct groundbreaking laboratory research, and to translate findings into pioneering and innovative clinical trials. For more information, please visit www.unclineberger.org.
About the Isabella Santos Foundation
Established in 2007, The Isabella Santos Foundation (ISF) is dedicated to eradicating pediatric cancer's devastating impact while honoring the legacy of Isabella Santos, a courageous neuroblastoma fighter. Through the TORCH initiative, ISF provides funding for clinical trials, basic science and translational research, and survivorship support at medical institutions across North and South Carolina, igniting transformational outcomes for rare pediatric cancer heroes.
For nearly two decades, ISF has raised over $14 million to expand research and treatment and support affected families. Partnering with Atrium Health and Levine Children’s Hospital, ISF funded clinical trials, developmental therapeutics and a top-tier MIBG therapy suite—one of 20 nationwide. In 2020, the Isabella Santos Rare & Solid Tumor Program launched with Levine Cancer Institute, aspiring to be a global hub for children with solid tumors and rare cancers.
Originating from one girl's mission, and carried forward by her loving mom, her family and the support of the Charlotte community, ISF's impact thrives and its ability to transform lives will endure for generations. Join our commitment to bring hope, healing and progress to young pediatric cancer heroes and their families.
Hospital Media Contact:
Bill Schaller, bill_schaller@med.unc.edu
ISF Media Contact:
Anna Stallmann, media@annacomms.com