Brain tumours kill more Australian children than any other disease. Researchers at the University of Queensland recently announced a world-first clinical trial to test cancer vaccines designed specifically for children with advanced or treatment-resistant brain tumors.

After identifying unique cancer markers in each child’s tumour using genome sequencing and advanced data analysis, we will select tumor-specific vaccine targets.

Customised vaccines for each child will then be manufactured in Queensland by Southern RNA and then sent to the trial sites for dosing.

Researchers expect to have a customized vaccine ready within about 10 weeks of them enrolling in the trial.

The Australia and New Zealand Children’s Haematology and Oncology Group (ANZCHOG) is the trial sponsor and will manage the study.

The trial has received funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), with platform mRNA technology and investment coming from Providence Therapeutics.