PHOENIX [December 30, 2025] – Scientists at Phoenix Children’s Research Institute at the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Phoenix, as well as faculty at Phoenix Children’s, are conducting transformative, translational research in vital areas of pediatric medicine. Notable research studies so far in 2025 support a wide range of clinical advancements surrounding pediatric brain tumors, neurodevelopmental disorders, cardiology, lung disease, infectious diseases and more.
“Our team of researchers are consistently advancing innovative treatments that will have a tremendous impact on how we care for pediatric patients in the future, helping improve quality of life and overall clinical outcomes,” said Stewart Goldman, MD, senior vice president of research at Phoenix Children’s and Sybil B. Harrington endowed chair and professor, Department of Child Health at U of A College of Medicine — Phoenix. “We have made a concerted effort to change the culture of research at Phoenix Children’s, and we put a great emphasis on research, grant funding, clinical trials and more to impact the lives of the families we’re honored to serve.”
Highlights from recent advancements include:
Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s
Linking a common virus with strokes in children
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association examined whether the varicella zoster virus (VZV), responsible for chickenpox, can trigger strokes in children. Neil Friedman, MBChB, the Diane and Bruce Halle Endowed Chair in Pediatric Neurosciences and director of clinical transformations at Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s, co-authored the research. The study analyzed 205 children who had experienced an arterial ischemic stroke, testing for evidence of previous and/or recent VZV infection or reactivation. About 10 percent of these children showed evidence of recent, asymptomatic VZV reactivation despite prior vaccination. The study found that, even in vaccinated children, the virus may still play a small but meaningful role in stroke risk. These insights could help guide future approaches to diagnosing and preventing strokes in children.
Studying the impact of AI on pediatric brain tumors
Neuroradiologist Kristen Yeom, MD, is a clinical investigator on a groundbreaking artificial intelligence study to develop an MRI-based AI model that evaluates posterior fossa brain tumors in children without the need of a clinician. Partnering with Stanford University and pediatric hospitals worldwide, this study is pioneering the future of pediatric brain tumor diagnosis and will impact diagnosis, treatment planning and long-term monitoring for young patients.
Advancing Treatment for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Michael C. Kruer, MD, pediatric neurologist and director of neuroscience research at the Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s, received a $750,000 grant from the Arizona Biomedical Research Centre to develop novel gene-targeting therapies for rare neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and intellectual disability. In collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the n-Lorem Foundation, Dr. Kruer’s team will focus on developing and delivering antisense oligonucleotides, short strands of synthetic genetic material that can silence or alter faulty genes. The goal of the research is to offer new hope to children with rare and life-altering neurological conditions.
Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
Exploring New Therapeutics for Lung Fibrosis
Tanya Kalin, MD, PhD, vice chair of translational research for Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, is leading groundbreaking research focused on slowing or preventing the advancement of pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive and often fatal lung disease that makes it difficult to get oxygen into the bloodstream. The research, supported by a $2.5 million grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, aims to restore small blood vessels in the lungs and prevent the formation of scar tissue. This research holds significant potential to provide new treatments for pulmonary fibrosis and other chronic lung diseases, offering hope to patients who currently have few treatment options.
Phoenix Children’s Center for Heart Care
Evaluating MIS-C outcomes
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics conducted by pediatric cardiologist Arash Sabati, MD, along with leading clinicians across the country, evaluated the six-month outcomes of children diagnosed with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C), a rare but life-threatening complication of COVID-19. More than 1,200 participants were recruited from 32 North American pediatric hospitals, and the results showed that while children and young adults with MIS-C may experience severe illness initially, the large majority had a fast recovery and positive cardiovascular and overall health outcomes.
Advancing treatments for babies with heart rhythm issues
Edward Rhee, MD, medical director of electrophysiology, collaborated with a team of clinicians across the country to study the impact a smaller pacemaker can make on babies needing heart treatment. Collecting information from patients throughout the United States, the study that published in the American Heart Association’s Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Journal concluded the smaller pacemaker was safe and effective for babies and young children. This provides clinicians with a better option than using larger pacemakers designed for adults.
The Research Institute facilitates translational research programs and utilizes cutting-edge technologies to develop new therapies for pediatric patients. Under the direction of renowned physician-scientist Dr. Vlad Kalinichenko, this work elevates the rigor, excellence and inquiry to Phoenix Children’s research tradition and clinical programs.