The Children's Tumor Foundation
06/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/15/2026 07:53
Young Investigator: Q&A with Khalil Kasm, PhD, on Understanding Pain and Tumor Growth in NF1
The Young Investigator Award (YIA) provides two-year salary support to early-career NF researchers to help them get established as independent NF investigators and pursue bold, innovative projects designed to improve care and uncover new treatments for people living with NF. Since its inception, several YIAs have made groundbreaking research findings and notable publications through this program, and many have advanced to become leaders in the NF research and clinical communities.
We're pleased to introduce some of these researchers from the latest class of awardees: Khalil Kasm, PhD (The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston), whose YIA-funded study is investigating how interactions between sensory neurons and tumors contribute to the growth and pain associated with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets that could improve outcomes for people living with NF1.
A man wearing glasses, a blue suit, white shirt, and pink striped tie, smiling in front of a dark studio background.Khalil Kasm, PhD
What are you hoping to discover through this project?
My goal is to understand how sensory neurons contribute to tumor growth and pain in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), which are among the most aggressive cancers affecting individuals with NF1. Our research focuses on a "vicious cycle" in which activated neurons promote tumor progression while tumors increase neuronal activity. By disrupting these neuron-tumor interactions, we hope to identify new therapeutic targets that can slow tumor growth, reduce pain, and improve patient outcomes.
What first drew you to study NF and/or what continues to inspire your work?
My scientific background is in pain neuropharmacology, and I have always been fascinated by how the nervous system influences disease. When I learned that many patients with NF1 experience both tumor burden and significant pain, I became interested in understanding the relationship between nerves and tumor biology. What continues to inspire me is the opportunity to investigate an unexplored area of cancer research while working toward discoveries that may improve the lives of individuals and families affected by NF.
What's a discovery, experiment, or moment in your research that has surprised or excited you the most?
One of the most exciting moments in my research was uncovering that activating sensory neurons can promote tumor growth in preclinical models. Traditionally, nerves were viewed mainly as messengers that transmit pain signals, but recent findings suggest that they can actively shape tumor behavior. This observation opened a new line of investigation and reinforced the idea that the nervous system may be an important therapeutic target in cancer.
What does a typical day in the lab look like for you?
One of the things I enjoy most about research is that every day is different. Some days involve working with animal models or performing in vivo experiments to investigate the interactions between sensory neurons and tumor cells. Other times are spent analyzing data, mentoring students, discussing ideas with colleagues, writing, or planning the next set of experiments. Research is a constant process of learning, problem-solving, and discovery.
What does it mean to you to receive this support from the Children's Tumor Foundation?
Receiving the Young Investigator Award from the Children's Tumor Foundation is both an honor and a significant milestone in my career. This support allows me to pursue innovative research ideas while helping me establish myself as an independent investigator. More importantly, it connects me to a passionate community of patients, advocates, clinicians, and researchers who share the common goal of improving the lives of people living with NF.
How do you like to spend your time outside the lab?
Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing soccer, swimming, and volunteering in educational and community programs.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the NF community?
I would like to thank the NF community for its unwavering support of research. Every scientific advance is made possible by the NF community working together. As a Young Investigator Award recipient, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this effort, and I remain committed to advancing discoveries that bring us closer to better treatments and improved quality of life for people living with NF.
Click here to learn more about funding opportunities, including the Young Investigator Awards, from the Children's Tumor Foundation.
The Children's Tumor Foundation published this content on June 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 15, 2026 at 13:53 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]