Trump Signs Executive Order to Boost Childhood Cancer Research with AI

Chicago (October 1, 2025) — US President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to advance research on childhood cancer. The order also adds $50 million in new grants to support ongoing studies.

A Step Toward Smarter Cancer Research

According to Reuters, the White House confirmed that the decision will expand AI-based tools to help researchers find better treatments. The funding will go to the National Cancer Institute’s Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) — a 10-year, $500 million program first announced by Trump in his 2019 State of the Union address.

The initiative focuses on collecting and sharing large amounts of cancer data to improve diagnosis, treatments, and clinical trials for children.

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Why It Matters

Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said during a briefing: “Childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for children. Since 1975, its rate has increased by more than 40%. With AI, researchers can now make clinical trials smarter, improve diagnosis, discover new treatments, and build stronger prevention strategies.”

Funding and Global Impact

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will double its investment by adding another $50 million, making more resources available for researchers.

• The funding will be distributed through competitive grants to attract top scientific teams.

• Additional investments are also being planned for the coming years.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 400,000 children worldwide (from newborns to 19 years old) are diagnosed with cancer each year. However, research in pediatric cancers often lags behind adult cancers due to the rarity of cases, data privacy concerns, and the diverse nature of cancers in children.

A 2024 editorial in The Lancet also noted that AI use in childhood cancer research is still behind adult cancer research, highlighting the urgent need for progress.

Trump’s Statement

In his remarks, President Trump emphasized America’s leadership in AI: “We are taking strong steps to protect children from cancer. AI will be used for treatment and research, and the United States is already ahead of China in artificial intelligence.”

This executive order combines AI innovation with new funding, giving hope for breakthroughs in childhood cancer research. If successful, it could transform how childhood cancers are diagnosed, treated, and prevented — not just in the US, but globally.

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FAQ’s

1. What did President Trump sign on October 1, 2025?
President Trump signed an executive order to boost childhood cancer research by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and providing an extra $50 million in grants.

2. What is the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI)?
It is a 10-year, $500 million program launched in 2019 to collect and share childhood cancer data, helping researchers develop better treatments.

3. How much new funding has been announced?
The order includes an additional $50 million in funding, while the NIH will double this investment, bringing more resources to scientists.

4. Why is AI important in childhood cancer research?
AI can help analyze medical data, improve clinical trials, make diagnosis more accurate, discover new treatments, and create better prevention strategies.

5. How many children are affected by cancer each year?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 400,000 children worldwide (ages 0–19) are diagnosed with cancer annually.

6. Why has childhood cancer research lagged behind adult cancer research?
Because childhood cancers are rarer, more diverse, and there are also ethical concerns about children’s medical data privacy.

7. What did Michael Kratsios say about this initiative?
He said that childhood cancer rates have increased by over 40% since 1975, and AI can now help make research more effective and save lives.

8. How will the $50 million be used?
The funding will be given through competitive research grants to top scientists and institutions working on childhood cancer solutions.

9. What role does the NIH play in this project?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will manage the funding, expand research efforts, and ensure the data collected is effectively used for breakthroughs.

10. What did Trump say about AI in his statement?
Trump said that the US is already ahead of China in AI, and that AI will be used to fight childhood cancer and protect children’s health.

Source: ARY News