3rd Annual Neuro-Oncology and RNA Therapeutics Symposium
Event Overview
The Neuro-Oncology and RNA Therapeutics Symposium, organized by Ranjan J. Perera, Ph.D. and George Jallo, M.D., was held on February 20, 2026, at the REB Building at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. The symposium convened nationally recognized leaders in brain tumor research, translational neuroscience, and RNA-based therapeutic innovation, highlighting discoveries that are reshaping how we diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent central nervous system (CNS) malignancies.
A defining moment of the program was the keynote address delivered by Michael D. Taylor, M.D., Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine and Director of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program at Texas Children's Hospital. In his presentation, “Prevention Is Better Than Cure,” Dr. Taylor articulated a forward-looking vision for pediatric neuro-oncology—emphasizing prevention-driven science, molecular precision, and the transformative potential of early intervention strategies. The keynote was formally introduced by Dr. George Jallo of Johns Hopkins Medicine, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defined the symposium.
Experts from institutions including Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Florida, University of Massachusetts, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania shared transformative research spanning immuno-oncology, liquid biopsy technologies, RNA therapeutics, molecular targeting, precision radiation strategies, and advanced CNS drug delivery systems.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and translational discovery, the symposium underscored a shared commitment to accelerating innovative therapies and improving outcomes for pediatric and adult patients alike.