WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to raise awareness about pediatric brain cancer, encourage research on diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) tumors and other pediatric cancers, and honor patients and families who have faced this disease, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution (S.Res. 691) designating May 17 as DIPG Pediatric Brian Cancer Awareness Day.

An aggressive, relentless and inoperable brain tumor, DIPG is the deadliest form of pediatric brain cancer and the second most common form of the disease. Sadly, the average life expectancy for patients is only about nine months.  However, there has been some recent progress in treatments that improve the life expectancy of some young patients.

Led by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Jack Reed (D-RI), the resolution officially designates May 17, 2024 as “DIPG Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day.”  This marks the fifth year that Senator Reed has co-led the Senate resolution to put a spotlight on DIPG pediatric brain cancer and the need to find a cure and more effective treatments.

This year’s measure is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), Bob Casey (D-PA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Deb Fischer (R-NE).

“I am inspired by the courage of these young patients and the selfless advocacy of their parents and families.  This resolution recognizes the hardships of those battling pediatric brain cancer and their resilience and resolve.  It calls upon the United States to confront childhood cancer with the urgency it requires by supporting these families and funding life-saving research.  America must invest in finding a cure, improved treatments, and enhanced options for pediatric brain cancer,” said Senator Reed. 

Text of the resolution follows:

Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2024, as “DIPG Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day” to raise awareness of, and encourage research on, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma tumors and pediatric cancers in general.

Whereas diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (referred to in this preamble as “DIPG”) tumors regularly affect 200 to 300 children in the United States each year;

Whereas brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death among children;

Whereas DIPG tumors are the leading cause of pediatric brain cancer deaths;

Whereas, with respect to a child who is diagnosed with a DIPG tumor and receives treatment for a DIPG tumor, the median amount of time that the child survives after diagnosis is approximately 11 months;

Whereas, with respect to an individual who is diagnosed with a DIPG tumor, the rate of survival 5 years after diagnosis is approximately 2 percent;

Whereas the average age at which a child is diagnosed with a DIPG tumor is between 5 and 10 years, resulting in a life expectancy approximately 70 years shorter than the average life expectancy in the United States; and

Whereas the prognosis for children diagnosed with DIPG tumors has not meaningfully improved during the past 50 years: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) supports designating May 17, 2024, as “DIPG Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day”;

(2) supports efforts—

(A) to better understand diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (referred to in this resolution as “DIPG”) tumors;

(B) to develop effective treatments for DIPG tumors; and

(C) to provide comprehensive care for children with DIPG tumors and their families; and

(3) encourages all individuals in the United States to become more informed about—

(A) DIPG tumors;

(B) pediatric brain cancer in general; and

(C) challenges relating to research on pediatric cancers and ways to advance that research.