Neuro-Immuno-Oncology Fellowship Continuation & Clinical Trial Expansion

Project Overview

In 2026, ChadTough Defeat DIPG approved continued support for Stanford University’s Neuro-Immuno-Oncology (NIO) Fellowship Program, sustaining this highly specialized clinical training pathway during a critical phase of CAR T cell clinical trial expansion for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and other diffuse midline gliomas (DMG).

This two-year grant supports the training of a dedicated neuro-immuno-oncology fellow to safely deliver and manage CAR T cell therapy for pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Any funds not required for fellowship support may be used to advance research efforts aimed at improving understanding and treatment of DIPG.

Incoming Neuro-Immuno-Oncology Fellow

Beginning July 1, 2026, Meziane Brizini, MD, will join the program as a two-year clinical Neuro-Immuno-Oncology Fellow. Dr. Brizini comes from Winnipeg Children’s Hospital at the University of Manitoba, Canada, bringing strong clinical experience and a commitment to advancing care for children with devastating brain tumors.

During the fellowship, Dr. Brizini will receive advanced training in:

• Clinical management of patients receiving CAR T cell therapy for DIPG and DMG
• Recognition and treatment of immunotherapy-related neurologic toxicities
• Integration of clinical care with ongoing translational and clinical research

This training is essential for both patient safety and the successful conduct of complex, early-phase immunotherapy trials.

Fellowship Importance & Workforce Development

The Stanford NIO Fellowship Program recruits neurology- or oncology-trained physicians who have already completed a neuro-oncology fellowship. Nationally, the fill rate for such fellowships remains low, reflecting a limited pipeline of clinicians with the expertise required to deliver advanced immunotherapies for CNS tumors.Despite these challenges, training physicians capable of safely administering CAR T cell therapy for DIPG, DMG, and other pediatric CNS cancers remains foundational to progress in the field. This grant ensures continuity of expertise during a time when clinical trial complexity and patient volume continue to increase.

Alignment with Clinical Trial Progress

This fellowship period aligns with continued expansion of the GD2-CAR T cell clinical trial, including advanced dosing strategies and preparation for Phase II evaluation. The presence of a dedicated, highly trained fellow strengthens both patient care and the rigorous execution of trial protocols, helping translate scientific advances into real-world clinical impact.

Looking Ahead

By investing in the Neuro-Immuno-Oncology Fellowship in 2026, ChadTough Defeat DIPG is reinforcing the clinical infrastructure required to move CAR T cell therapy forward for children with DIPG and DMG. This support ensures that physician training, patient safety, and clinical research progress together—bringing the field closer to effective, durable treatments.