A world-first clinical trial will test cancer vaccines designed specifically for children with advanced or treatment-resistant brain tumours, representing a major step forward in research driven by the Children’s Brain Cancer Centre.
Brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease – and many of the existing treatment options can cause unwanted side effects and leave survivors with chronic health problems, and lifelong physical and intellectual disabilities.
Now, Queensland and South Australian researchers are working to change that.
A new way to treat children with brain cancer
The study – co-led by The University of Queensland and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and partnered with mRNA medicines platform company, Providence Therapeutics – will provide personalised vaccines to children and adolescents.
Trials will be rolled out at eight paediatric hospitals in Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia to young patients with aggressive and treatment-resistant childhood brain tumours from April – giving families across the country access to this life changing advancement.
Scientific lead, Professor Brandon Wainwright AM, Co-Director of the Children’s Brain Cancer Centre, said personalised mRNA cancer vaccines had shown promising results in adults with rare and hard-to-treat cancers, including pancreatic cancer and melanoma.
“We are excited that after many years of research in our laboratory, we might offer a glimmer of hope for children with some of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant tumours,’’ Professor Wainwright said.
By providing personalised vaccines tailored to each child’s tumour, the trial aims to open new treatment possibilities where few currently exist.
“After identifying unique cancer markers in each child’s tumour using genome sequencing and advanced data analysis, we will select tumour-specific vaccine targets,” Professor Wainwright added.
“Customised vaccines for each child will then be manufactured in Queensland by Southern RNA and then sent to the trial sites for dosing.
“We expect to have a customised vaccine ready within about 10 weeks of them enrolling in the trial.”
Families and patient advocates have been closely involved in the design of this trial, ensuring the research reflects the needs of those affected by childhood brain cancer.
Powered by our generous community
Children’s Hospital Foundation provided more than $1 million to the Children’s Brain Cancer Centre at the University of Queensland’s Frazer Institute to support the research that led to the trial.
This breakthrough would not be possible without the continued support of our generous partners at The Lott by Golden Casket – proud benefactors of the Children’s Brain Cancer Centre – and people like you.
The Centre plays a vital role in the Australian Brain Cancer Mission, which aims to double survival rates and improve the quality of life of people living with brain cancer over the next 10 years, with the longer-term aim of defeating brain cancer.
To learn more about how to support the Children’s Brain Cancer Centre, head here.
The difference that shapes their world
Through supporting the Children’s Hospital Foundation, you can improve childhoods and ensure all children and young people have access to treatment - sooner.
