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The University of Queensland, in collaboration with the South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), is spearheading a groundbreaking clinical trial. This study aims to utilize mRNA technology to activate the body’s immune response against cancer cells.
Set to launch at eight children’s hospitals across Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia, this four-year trial is scheduled to begin later this year.
The trial will focus on young patients facing grim survival rates, specifically those with a prognosis of just 12 to 24 months.
Eligible participants include children battling relapsed or resistant high-grade tumors such as medulloblastoma, ependymoma, high-grade glioma, and newly diagnosed diffuse midline gliomas.
“This innovative, tailored approach holds significant promise for tackling these particularly challenging brain cancers,” stated Professor Jordan Hansford, the clinical lead from SAHMRI and the University of Adelaide.
“Phase I of the trial will help us determine the safest and most effective dose.
“Phase II will assess how well the treatment works, including whether it slows cancer progression and improves overall survival and quality of life for participating children and their families.”
Hansford said half of all screened participants may be suitable for the trial.
Around 70 children from around Australia will take part in the trial over four years.
(The University of Queensland)
It takes about eight weeks to develop each vaccine, and each child is given eight shots, two weeks apart, before booster shots later down the track
Personalised mRNA vaccines have already shown promising results in adults with rare and difficult-to-treat cancers, such as pancreatic and melanoma.
The trial will provide a “glimmer of hope” for children with aggressive brain tumours, UQ’s Frazer Institute scientific lead Brandon Wainwright explained.
“After identifying unique cancer markers in each child’s tumour using genome sequencing and advanced data analysis, we will select tumour-specific vaccine targets,” Wainwright said.
“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.”
About 40 Australian children die every year of brain cancer, which is the deadliest childhood cancer.
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