Clinical Trials

BIOMEDE

The Isabella and Marcus Foundation, in partnership with Cure Brain Cancer Foundation funded the Australasian participation in the ‘International BIOMEDE (Biological Medicine for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Eradication) study’ from 2018-2020. This clinical trial was available to treat 24 children in Australia and New Zealand newly diagnosed with DIPG as part of a worldwide cohort of 250 children. The study evaluated the efficacy of 3 drugs in combination with radiotherapy. The choice of drug was determined by the mutation(s) found in a biopsy of each child’s tumour, with each drug specifically acting on one type of mutation commonly found in DIPG. The study was conducted by the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group and was led by Dr Geoff McCowage at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney. An interim analysis showed that the treatment was ineffective, and the trial was terminated.

PNOC-022 (DMG-ACT)

A Combination Therapy Trial using an Adaptive Platform Design for Children and Young Adults with Diffuse Midline Glioma including Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma at Initial Diagnosis, Post-Radiation Therapy and at Time of Progression

The Isabella and Marcus Foundation is supporting a clinical trial for DIPG and Diffuse Midline Gliomas in children and young adults in Australia and New Zealand. The trial is the culmination of years of dedicated research. We would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of Dr Matt Dun at the University of Newcastle and his research team for developing this combination therapy and generating the data that led to the clinical trial. The trial opened in August 2022 and is evaluating a promising new drug combination of ONC201 and paxalisib. Treatment is available for DIPG and other Diffuse Midline Glioma’s at initial diagnosis, following radiotherapy or at time of progression. The trial is being conducted by the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haemotology/Oncology Group and is co-sponsored by the International Pacific Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium. Funding partners include Australian Communities Foundation, RCD Foundation, the Australian Brain Cancer Mission and the Wayne Francis Charitable Trust. A media release is available below.