Personalised targeted therapy for adolescent and young adult medulloblastoma patients

Clinical trial for AYA medulloblastoma

This international collaborative clinical trial is the first of its kind for newly-diagnosed AYA medulloblastoma patients.

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumour of childhood but can also occur in older adolescents and young adults (AYA). The best treatment for these older patients is unknown and until now, their treatment has been poor.

Behind the science: Dr Elizabeth Hovey

Standard intensive treatment for this disease includes cranio-spinal radiation and chemotherapy – a regime that has been proven effective in terms of survival, but with substantial side effects.
 
International research has discovered that AYA medulloblastomas have a distinct tumour biology and the best treatment for this group is unclear. Without standard treatment protocols, there are wide variations in outcomes.
 
This trial will give AYA’s diagnosed with medulloblastoma access to state-of-the-art tumour profiling and targeted therapies in order to ensure optimal treatments to improve cure rates and reduce therapy-related toxicities.
 
The goal is to develop a treatment strategy that gives the best treatment outcomes, while reducing treatment-related toxicities. This trial will help to define the new standard of care for treatment of this group of deserving patients.

Learn about Cancer Australia's Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme.