The Turning Point

A female scientist in a lab coat holds a syringe, illustrating her role in healthcare and medical advancements.

Giselle Saulnier Sholler, MD
Department of Pediatrics - Professor
Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics - Professor
Division of Hematology and Oncology - Chief
Penn State Neuroscience Institute

Giselle Saulnier Sholler, MD, vividly remembers the day she lost her first neuroblastoma patient, Tyler. It was a moment that changed her life forever.

Determined to prevent other families from facing such heartbreak, she dedicated her career to pediatric oncology and solidified the foundation of her mission: to save lives through groundbreaking research and innovative treatments.

“I wanted to change the outcomes,” she said.

Two decades later, she’s doing that. Her resolve led to the groundbreaking research of a drug called eflornithine (DFMO). Findings from her laboratory and through clinical trials led to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for treating neuroblastoma relapse.

Dr. Sholler and the maintenance therapy she helped develop are offering hope for children battling neuroblastoma relapse.

“All of the children that we treat are so important,” said Sholler. “Research and medical innovations are helping to make their lives better.”

*Giselle Saulnier Sholler, MD, is the Four Diamonds Endowed Chair for Pediatric Oncology Research at the College of Medicine