Heard on Campus: Giselle Saulnier Sholler on advances in pediatric cancer research

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — “Penn State is uniquely positioned to lead the next chapter in pediatric oncology, pushing forward the research and innovation needed to improve outcomes for every child with cancer. Our vision is to become a global leader in pediatric oncology care, research and clinical trials,” said Giselle Saulnier Sholler, division chief of pediatric hematology and oncology at Penn State Golisano Children’s Hospital and the director of pediatric oncology research at the Penn State College of Medicine.

Sholler is an internationally-recognized leader in pediatric oncology for advancing innovative treatments for childhood cancer. She spoke at the University's Board of Trustee meeting on Feb. 20, a few hours before the 2026 Penn State THON Weekend kicked off at the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park campus. Funds raised by THON for Four Diamonds directly fuels research of physician-scientists at Penn State, like Sholler. And research is what will ultimately lead to lifesaving treatments for childhood cancers, bringing hope and better outcomes to patients and families.

“This extraordinary support empowers our team to deliver world-class care and pursue the research that drives the next breakthroughs for children with cancer,” Sholler said.

Sholler spoke alongside Ben Roitman, executive director of THON, and Kelly Altland, chief development officer for Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine. In her presentation, she shared highlights of Penn State’s pediatric oncology program, its groundbreaking research discoveries and exceptional clinical care.

She discussed the collaboration between the eight research labs at Penn State focused on pediatric cancer that are working to understand different aspects of cancer so they can develop better treatments. For example, research conducted by H.G. Wang, Lois High Berstler Professor of Pediatrics and Cell and Biological Systems at the Penn State College of Medicine, has shown that a novel medication could reshape the environment around a tumor, making treatment more effective. This work is being tested in a clinical trial.

Currently, there are 16 active clinical trials. Researchers are also creating personalized vaccines using a patient’s own immune cells as a way to teach their immune system to recognize and fight their cancer. This year, a first-in-human clinical trial will open for children with DIPG, an incurable tumor in the brainstem that uses a medication developed at Penn State.

In addition to developing new therapeutics, Sholler shared how Penn State is transforming cancer care through precision medicine, a main focus of her own research. Instead of treating cancer solely based on its name or diagnosis, precision medicine uses genomic sequencing and RNA profiling to create individualized treatment plans.

“Our precision medicine program has shown that identifying mutations and pathways driving a child's tumor and then choosing select medications that will specifically block these pathways can lead to remarkable responses and, in some cases, cures,” Sholler said.

It’s become standard of care at Penn State Golisano Children's Hospital, and every child undergoes tumor sequencing at diagnosis or relapse. In some cases, researchers are also growing cell lines and creating tiny 3D models from a patient’s own cancer cells to study how the tumor behaves and responds to treatment.

“Our work reflects how closely our vision and mission align with Penn State's core values — integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence and community,” Sholler said. “I could not be more proud to walk alongside these incredible students, faculty, nurses, clinicians and researchers who represent Penn State and I look forward to the future that we are creating together.”

Read more about Sholler’s research:

• A Q&A with Sholler about her quest to transform cancer care

• How a breakthrough treatment, pioneered by Sholler, offers hope for one family

• FDA approves pediatric neuroblastoma drug based on Sholler’s research

• Building an international network for childhood cancer clinical trials

Read more from a research technologist with the Pediatric Oncology Translational Research Laboratory:

• This Penn State alumna is using her degree to help support THON's mission