CHOP, Dr. Theodore Laetsch

Dr. Theodore W. Laetsch, Synovial Sarcoma Foundation Board Member, Receives $1 Million Grant to Advance Rare Tumor Studies

September 29, 2025 Comments Off on Dr. Theodore W. Laetsch, Synovial Sarcoma Foundation Board Member, Receives $1 Million Grant to Advance Rare Tumor Studies
A man in a gray suit sits in a modern, well-lit office lounge. Text on the image reads: "Dr. Theodore Laetsch, Lead Investigator & Medical Director, SSF." Blue chairs and large windows are in the background.

The Synovial Sarcoma Foundation is pleased to highlight a significant milestone at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where pediatric oncologist and Synovial Sarcoma Foundation Board Member, Dr. Theodore W. Laetsch, has been awarded a prestigious $1 million multi-year grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding aims to accelerate research and treatment development for rare cancers, which account for 25% of cancer-related deaths.

Rare tumors, such as synovial sarcoma, are often overlooked due to scarcity and have historically lagged in research progress. Many of these cancers, including those affecting adolescents and young adults, pose unique treatment challenges because of limited patient numbers, scarce biospecimens, and the complexity of designing innovative clinical trials. Dr. Laetsch’s work seeks to address these obstacles through a comprehensive approach grounded in precision medicine.

Leading several programs at CHOP, including the Developmental Therapeutics Program and the Very Rare Malignant Tumors Program, Dr. Laetsch is a national leader within the Children’s Oncology Group (COG). His new grant will support his efforts to expand clinical trials focusing on immunotherapy and targeted therapies for rare cancers, such as thyroid cancer and melanoma — diseases that have not been extensively studied in pediatric populations.

The funding will also facilitate the creation of the Advanced Personalized Therapeutics and Precision Surgery Program at the Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center. This initiative aims to increase enrollment in clinical trials for children and adults with rare tumors across the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN), helping physicians identify appropriate treatment options for their patients.

In addition, the grant emphasizes mentoring the next generation of clinicians and researchers specializing in rare tumors, nurturing innovations in pediatric and adult cancer care. Dr. Laetsch’s leadership will help foster collaboration, build biobanks, and expand participation in NCI-funded research, ultimately aiming to improve survival rates and quality of life for patients facing these challenging diagnoses.

“This grant represents a pivotal milestone in our quest to transform rare tumor research and enhance patient outcomes,” said Dr. Laetsch. “Our mission is to bridge gaps in clinical research and ensure that children and adolescents have access to cutting-edge precision treatment options.”

The Synovial Sarcoma Foundation congratulates Dr. Laetsch and the CHOP team for their dedication to advancing rare tumor research. We remain committed to supporting efforts that bring innovative therapies to patients and families affected by these diseases.

To learn more about this initiative, visit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia or the National Cancer Institute.

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